人間関係から見た安楽死是非の再考

Recent discussion of euthanasia in the field of medical ethics reveals two major features. First, it is clear that there are many academics in opposition to a distinction being made between active euthanasia, which is the act of killing a patient on request through the administration of drugs, and passive euthanasia, which is primarily the withdrawal of lifesustaining treatment. Second, there are also many people in the field who are focusing on the subject from a human relations viewpoint. Namely, they note that reciprocal relations among patients, their family members and health care providers are influenced by euthanasia policies. Much of the present study examines this latter point. In this study, I first examine the two features from a perspective representative of Japanese moral philosophers. Additionally, I clarify the similarities and　distinctions inherent in them. Next, I consider the noteworthy views prevalent in German literature. In recent years, German researchers have placed a greater emphasis on respecting the wishes of patients. Similarly, they have taken into consideration the importance of developing confidential relations between doctors and patients. They not only discuss the influence that permission to conduct active euthanasia may have on human relations, but also consider the conditions necessary for confidential relations among medical staff, patients and family members.