Final answer:
Euthanasia, meaning 'good death' in Greek, describes the practice of ending a person's life to alleviate suffering. It includes passive and active forms and is surrounded by ethical debates and considerations in the realm of thanatology, with viewpoints from utilitarian and opposing philosophical perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word euthanasia comes from the Greek words 'eu' (meaning good) and 'thanatos' (meaning death), together meaning good death. Euthanasia can take the form of either passive euthanasia, where treatment is withheld allowing the patient to die, or active euthanasia, where a patient's life is ended through medical intervention, such as the administering of lethal medication.
Utilitarian philosophers like Peter Singer argue in favor of euthanasia based on the quality of life considerations, whereas other philosophical views oppose euthanasia on the grounds of the wrongness of killing, ethical obligations of physicians, and concern for potential slippery slopes in medical ethics. Physician-assisted sui_cide (PAS) is also related, where a patient self-administers a lethal dose of medication provided by a physician, which is distinct from euthanasia.
Moreover, Thanatology, the study of death and dying, often intersects with the discussion around euthanasia, contemplating issues such as patients' rights to die with dignity and the impact of medical technologies that extend life without necessarily improving the quality of life.