How to Outline an Essay on the Legalization of Assisted Dying?

Question from vim, How to Outline an Essay on the Legalization of Assisted Dying?

Answer from AI:

Essay Outline: “Should Assisted Dying be Legalised?”

Word Count: 2000-2200 words

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Introduction (200-300 words)

• Introduce the topic of assisted dying and its significance in legal and moral philosophy.
• Provide a brief overview of the debate, highlighting the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions.
• State the thesis: This essay critically examines whether assisted dying should be legalised, analysing the perspectives of Natural Law, Positivism, and Liberty, and their role in shaping and challenging the law.
• Outline the structure of the essay.

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Moral and Philosophical Perspectives (500 words)

1. Natural Law Theory (200-300 words)

• Define Natural Law and its key principles (e.g., the belief in a universal moral order derived from human nature).
• Discuss how Natural Law theorists, such as Thomas Aquinas, view human life as sacred and inherent in dignity.
• Analyse the argument that assisted dying violates Natural Law by undermining the sanctity of life.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this perspective in the context of modern ethical dilemmas.

2. Positivism (200-300 words)

• Explain Positivism as a legal philosophy, focusing on the idea that law is a man-made construct.
• Discuss how Positivism approaches assisted dying as a matter of legislative and societal consensus.
• Compare the UK’s current legal framework (e.g., the Suicide Act 1961) with jurisdictions where assisted dying is legalised (e.g., Oregon, USA).
• Highlight the tension between legal rules and moral values in Positivist thought.

3. Liberty and Its Limits (100-200 words)

• Define Liberty and its significance in moral and legal philosophy, referencing thinkers like John Stuart Mill.
• Discuss the argument that individuals should have the right to choose their own death as an extension of personal autonomy.
• Analyse the counterarguments, such as the potential for abuse and the duty of society to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Explore how Liberty intersects with other moral and legal frameworks in this debate.

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Legal Analysis: Assisted Dying in the UK (300-400 words)

• Provide an overview of the current legal status of assisted dying in the UK.
• Discuss key legal cases, such as R (Nicklinson) v Ministry of Justice (2014), and their implications.
• Examine parliamentary debates and attempts to legalise assisted dying (e.g., the Assisted Dying Bill 2015).
• Highlight the role of judicial review and public opinion in shaping the legal landscape.

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Evaluating the Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Perspective (300-400 words)

• Compare and contrast Natural Law, Positivism, and Liberty in their approach to assisted dying.
• Discuss the strengths of Natural Law in providing a moral framework but critique its rigidity in modern contexts.
• Evaluate Positivism’s flexibility in adapting to societal changes but note its reliance on human-made laws, which can be flawed.
• Assess Liberty’s emphasis on individual autonomy but address concerns about its potential to harm others.
• Conclude with a balanced view of how these perspectives inform the debate.

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Conclusion (200-300 words)

• Summarise the key arguments presented in the essay.
• Reaffirm the thesis and reflect on the implications of legalising assisted dying from legal and moral philosophical perspectives.
• Avoid introducing new arguments but provide a final thought on the complexity of the issue.

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References and Further Reading

• Include academic sources, legal cases, and philosophical texts cited in the essay.
• Suggest further reading for those interested in exploring the topic in depth.

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This outline ensures a comprehensive and balanced analysis of the topic, meeting the word count and academic requirements.