Question

Daniel Callahan argues that people should live out their "natural" life spans of approximately 80 years, and then they should be allowed to die. What is the main argument presented by Daniel Callahan?

1) People should be allowed to live as long as they want, regardless of their age.
2) People should be allowed to die at any age, even if they are not at the end of their natural life span.
3) People should be allowed to die after reaching the age of 80, as it is considered a natural life span.
4) People should be allowed to die only if they are suffering from a terminal illness.

Answer 1

Daniel Callahan argues that society should accept the natural life span of approximately 80 years and allow individuals to die beyond this age without pursuing life-extending medical measures.

Thus, the correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

Daniel Callahan, a noted bioethicist, presents the argument that society ought to recognize an individual’s “natural” life span, which he approximates to be around 80 years. After reaching this age, he contends that people should be allowed to die, rather than extending life indefinitely through medical interventions. Callahan’s argument is not that people should necessarily be restricted from living longer, but rather, that there should not be an obligation, either socially or medically, to extend life beyond this natural span. This perspective fits into broader ethical discussions about aging, the use of resources in healthcare, and the right to a dignified death.

Therefore, the correct option is 3) People should be allowed to die after reaching the age of 80, as it is considered a natural life span.