Ethical analysis of situation and decision from the perspective of two worldviews or religions
The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and acceptance of a diversity of faith expressions.
The purpose of this paper is to complete a comparative ethical analysis of George’s situation and decision from the perspective of two worldviews or religions: Christianity and a second religion of your choosing. For the second faith, choose a faith that is unfamiliar to you. Examples of faiths to choose from include Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhism, Shintoism, etc.
In your comparative analysis, address all of the worldview questions in detail for Christianity and your selected faith. Refer to Chapter 2 of Called to Care for the list of questions. Once you have outlined the worldview of each religion, begin your ethical analysis from each perspective.
In a minimum of 1,500-2,000 words, provide an ethical analysis based upon the different belief systems, reinforcing major themes with insights gained from your research, and answering the following questions based on the research:
- How would each religion interpret the nature of George’s malady and suffering? Is there a “why” to his disease and suffering? (i.e., is there a reason for why George is ill, beyond the reality of physical malady?)
- In George’s analysis of his own life, how would each religion think about the value of his life as a person, and value of his life with ALS?
- What sorts of values and considerations would each religion focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
- Given the above, what options would be morally justified under each religion for George and why?
- Finally, present and defend your own view.
Support your position by referencing at least three academic resources (preferably from the GCU Library) in addition to the course readings, lectures, the Bible, and the textbooks for each religion. Each religion must have a primary source included. A total of six references are required according to the specifications listed above. Incorporate the research into your writing in an appropriate, scholarly manner.
An abstract is required.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
CASE STUDY
Georgeis a successful attony in his mid-fifties.He is also a legal scholar,holding teaching post at the local university law school in Oregon.George is also actively involved in his teenage son’s basketballleague,coaching regularly for their team.Recently, George has experienced muscle weakness and unresponsive muscle cordination.He was forced to seek medical attention after he fell and injury his hip.After an examination at the local hospital following his fall,te attending physician suspected that George may be showing early symptoms for ALS (amynotrophic lateral esclerosis},a degenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.The week following the initial examination,further testing revealed a positive disgnosis of ALS.
ALS is progressive and gradually cause motor neuron deterioritation and muscle atrophy to the point of complete muscle control loss.There is currently no cure for ALS, and the median life expectancy is between three and five years,through it is not uncommon for some to live 10 or more years. The progressive muscle atrophy and deterioritation of motor neurons leads to the loss of the ability to speak,move,eat,and breathe.However,sight,touch,hearing,taste,and smell are not affected.Patients will be wheelchair bound and eventually need permanet ventilator support to assist with breathing.
George and his family are desvatated by the diagnosis.George knows that treatment options only attempt to slow down the degeneration,but the symptoms will eventually come.He will eventually be wheelchair bound,and be unable to move,eat,speak,or even brethe on his own.
In contemplating his future life with ALS.George beings to dread the prospect of losing his mobility and even speech.He imagines his life in comp[lete dependence upon others for basic everyday functions,and perceives the possibility of eventually degeneration to the point at wich hi is a prisioner in his own body.Would he be willing to undergo such tortuire,such loss of his own dignity and power? George thus begins inguiring about the possibility of voluntary euthanasia.
