RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 To kill is not the same as to let die: a reply to Coggon
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 456
OP 458
DO 10.1136/jme.2008.027409
VO 35
IS 7
A1 McLachlan, H V
YR 2009
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/35/7/456.abstract
AB Coggon’s remarks on a previous paper on active and passive euthanasia elicit a clarification and an elaboration of the argument in support of the claim that there is a moral difference between killing and letting die. The relevant moral duties are different in nature, strength and content. Moreover, not all people who are involved in the relevant situations have the same moral duties. The particular case that is presented in support of the claim that to kill is not the same as to let die is based upon a rejection of consequentialism.