Philosophy 230
Second Short Essay Assignment
Due Tuesday, April 13th


Physician-assisted Suicide

Your task in this 3-5 page (typed, double-spaced) essay is to set out and critically assess Dworkin's
defense of legalized physician-assisted suicide.  In developing your essay, you should be sure to
focus on the following:

1.  Explain carefully the view Dworkin develops regarding legalized physician-assisted
       suicide, and explain carefully the argument that he develops in defense of that view.

2.  Explain carefully the main objections that Arras raises against this kind of view.

3.  Exlain carefully Dworkin's response to these objections.

4.  Develop your own evaluation of whether Dworkin's response is adequate.  (Focus on
       explaining why you think that it is or is not.)  What does your evaluation lead you to
       conclude regarding whether, or on what conditions, physician-assisted suicide should
       be legalized?

Note:  Please feel free to ask for my help as you're working on your essay.  I'll be happy to
            answer your questions. 

Please review my comments on plagiarism in the syllabus. Minimum penalty for intentionally
            plagiarized work is an 'F' in the course.   If you consult any sources (other than our text)
             in writing the essay, be sure to include a bibliography that cites all the sources you used.

Essays are due April 13th.

Enjoy!