Those left behind: Euthanasia, suicide and other regarding preferences

David Savage

Rationality and Society, 2016, vol. 28, issue 4, 439-452

Abstract: This paper examines the rationality of other regarding preferences on end-of-life decisions such as euthanasia and suicide , by extending the discounted future utility model. The discussion shows that individuals with other regarding preferences may act upon choices contrary to their ex-ante preferences, such that they are choosing to remain alive rather than opting for euthanasia or suicide. The policy extension is that individuals with close friends and/or family are less likely to take their own life, but can also prolong their own suffering because of the same attachments.

Keywords: End of life decisions; euthanasia; other regarding preferences; rationality; suicide (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:28:y:2016:i:4:p:439-452

DOI: 10.1177/1043463116658871

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