Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to examine certain Muslim interpretations, versus Act- utilitarianisms view of active Euthanasia, with a straight focus on the sanctity of life and individual autonomy. The questions that are reviewed and answered are: Are there any values regarding active euthanasia that act-utilitarianism and the Muslim interpretations can agree on? What are the central differences between Act-utilitarianism and the Muslim interpretations regarding the view of active euthanasia? Is there any acceptance of active euthanasia from any of the systems?

A comparative research method, through a literature study, has been applied to explore the subject. The study includes a comparative method, inspired by Neil J. Smelser’s model of comparability and classification, allows for a meaningful comparison between act utilitarianism and Muslim interpretations - despite their differences as social systems. The analysis is structured around two hermeneutic core-areas: the sanctity of life and individual autonomy. These themes were identified as key ethical pillars in the literature study, with the sanctity of life being fundamental in Muslim interpretations and autonomy being central in Act utilitarianism.

The study applies a hermeneutic approach - the hermeneutic circle - to interpret the material. Described by Gadamer (2004), as well as Hedges (2016). The circle enables the ability to see how arguments fit in the broader discussion of active euthanasia. The core areas are the parts, that relate to the broader totality, which is active euthanasia.

The results of this essay show that Act-utilitarianism can agree to active euthanasia, if it brings positive consequences for the overall state of happiness, but that it might as well be against it, if the consequences tend or result in being negative for the overall state of happiness. Based on the Muslim interpretations, the clear answer would be no, although a discussion about passive euthanasia creates another dimension to the phenomenon. The arguments from each system are clearly related to the main focus of the essay – the sanctity of life and autonomy – which creates arguments regarding the holy life given by God, and the belief that the individual is reasonable enough to make its own decisions.