Argument for · inductive
Autonomy and Relief of Suffering
Premises
- P1
Competent individuals have a right to self‑determination regarding their own bodies.
established - P2
Euthanasia can effectively relieve intractable suffering for patients with grievous, irremediable conditions.
established - P3
Legalizing euthanasia respects autonomy and reduces unnecessary suffering.
assumed
∴
Inference (inductive)
If respecting autonomy and alleviating suffering are moral goods, then permitting a practice that achieves both is morally justified.
⊢
Conclusion
Euthanasia should be legally permitted.
Structural assessment
The argument relies on the premise that autonomy and relief of suffering outweigh other moral considerations, which is contested.
Recorded limitations (2)
- Assumes that safeguards can fully prevent coercion.
- Does not address possible societal impacts beyond individual cases.