Is Death Really All That Personal?

Edited by Lexi Bilous

Abstract

When discussing MAiD, the legal-moral definition of morality is often left ambiguous. In this paper, I argue that personal autonomy is a useful concept in bioethics and MAiD by exploring the underlying tension between two accounts of autonomy: one rule-utilitarian, and one deontological. Despite some tensions between these two normative ethical theories, I argue that both deontology and rule-utilitarianism would find the current legislation in Canada regarding MAiD justifiable. After outlining these theories, I will consider arguments put forth on this topic by Beauchamp, Hooker, and Velleman. Finally, I will respond to a counterargument from the view that claims MAiD cannot be endorsed by rule-based ethical theories.