John Hardwig

John Hardwig teaches medical ethics and social and political philosophy at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. In the following viewpoint, Hardwig argues that the terminally ill sometimes have a duty to die. This duty is prompted when continuing medical treatments would place devastating emotional and financial burdens on a dying person’s family and loved ones. A dutiful decision to die, though tragic, can be a responsible and loving choice, Hardwig maintains.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Hardwig, why are people often appalled at the notion that the ill may have a duty to die?
2. How does the “individualistic fantasy about ourselves” influence discussions about assisted suicide, in the author’s opinion?
3. According to a recent study cited by...