A Conscience Issue if Ever there Was One
The AGE, 18 December 1996: From Dr Hayden Ramsay, school of philosophy, La Trobe University.
Sir John Holland is indignant (1712) that politicians might be disturbed in conscience by euthanasia legislation alleged to have the support of 75 per cent of Australians.
He is, however, quite wrong to imply representative democracy consists in automatically enacting the majority’s wishes. Democracy is legitimate where legislation is reasonable, morally permissible and for the common good.
Many philosophers and others believe there are strong moral and political arguments against euthanasia and question the motives of (some) euthanatists; on the other hand, few accept the tired liberalism and almost completely discredited utilitarianism with which certain lobby groups push their causes. Politicians should indeed be troubled in their consciences.
No doubt Sir John means well, but his experience of the sick and elderly wishing to die must be balanced against the many who struggle daily in the belief that intentionally taking life is wrong.
"Wisdom" and "compassion" are indeed what we require from the Senate: but are the professional life-takers really of greater wisdom and compassion than those who pursue our most basic moral value and those who care for them?
Hayden Ramsay, Bundoora.