An Historical Introduction to Ideas about Voluntary Euthanasia: With a Bibliographic Survey and Guide for Interdisciplinary Studies

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study defines voluntary euthanasia re transcendent values, and uses a “self-death” concept linking ideas about suicide and euthanasia. Attitudes and beliefs are discussed in detail along an historical perspective, Gothic to present day, and a bibliography is provided for interdisciplinary studies. Since 1945, existentialism has defied death taboos to restate the tragic plight of the individual. Social and clinical changes that isolate and demoralize patients are challenging the biomedical revolution. Additionally, neoorthodox, Catholic humanist, New Left and counterculture ideologies are providing bases for current discussion of euthanasia reform.