Firstly, utilitarianism is one of the well known consequentialist theory (Kerridge, Lowe, & Mcphee, 2005). Utilitarianism’s perspective, “the central principle of utility is absolute and all moral rules, actions or behaviours must be justified solely on the basis of an analysis of their consequences” (Thompson, Melia,& Horsburgh, p, 11, 2006). Therefore, Killing, euthanasia may justifiable in certain circumstances (Thompson, Melia, & Horsburgh, 2006). Also, John Stuart Mill argued that individuals are, lastly, the best judges and guardians of their own interests (Singer, p, 2003). So, he says that if they are capable to make their choice, we should allow them to decide whether or not their lives are worth living. Preference utilitarianism insists that we should always maximize individual preferences (Singer, 2003). From this point of view, preference utilitarianism is relates to one of the principle of ethics that autonomy. The ethical principle of autonomy claims that individuals ought to be permitted personal liberty to determine their own actions according to plans that they have chosen
References: Glasper, A. (2011). Can nurses enhance spiritual care in end-of-life settings?. British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 20(5), 316-317. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Grainger, Jo (2011). End of life ethics ll ethical issues in end of life care. Elective module. End of life ethics. HLSC 220 Health Care Ethics: ACU Blackboard. Inghelbrecht, E., Bilsen, J., Mortier, F., & Deliens, L. (2009). Nurses ' attitudes towards end-of-life decisions in medical practice: a nationwide study in Flanders, Belgium. Palliative Medicine, 23(7), 649-658. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Kerridge, I., Lowe, M., & McPhee, J. (2005). Ethics and law for the health professions (2nd ed.). Elective module. End of life ethics. HLSC 220 Health Care Ethics: ACU Blackboard. McCabe, H. (2007). Nursing involvement in euthanasia: how sound is the philosophical support?. Nursing Philosophy: An International Journal For Healthcare Professionals, 8(3), 167-175. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. McCabe, H. (2007). Nursing the patient in pain: rights and virture. Elective module. End of life ethics. HLSC 220 Health Care Ethics: ACU Blackboard. McMillen, R. (2008). End of life decisions: nurses perceptions, feelings and experiences. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing: The Official Journal Of The British Association Of Critical Care Nurses, 24(4), 251-259. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Singer, P. (2003). Voluntary euthanasia: a utilitarian perspective. Bioethics, 17(5-6), 526-541. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Schwartz, J. (2004). The rule of double effect and its role in facilitating good end-of-life palliative care: a help or a hindrance?. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 6(2), 125-135. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Shotton, L. (2000). Can nurses contribute to better end-of-life care?. Nursing Ethics, 7(2), 134-140. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Thompson, I., Melia, K., Boyd, K., & Horsburgh, D. (2006). Nursing ethics. (5th ed.). Sydney: Elsevier. Williams, L & Wilkins, K. (2005). The nurse-patient relationship in end-of-life care. Journal of hospice and palliative nursing, 7(3), 150-162. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.