[TW] Death Ethics & Intergenerational Thinking

Trigger Warning: This episode covers the sensitive topics of euthanasia and death. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

On this thought-provoking episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, your co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow tackle two profound questions from listeners in Scotland.

First up, Tess from Stranraer asks the following:

“Is the time now right in the UK for assisted dying, assisted suicide or assisted Euthanasia, whatever you want to call it, to be legalised? Some of the public seem to want it, when some people working in palliative nursing still don’t. So who is right? Should it just be for people close to death to relieve pain and suffering, when the alternative to assisted dying means more pain and suffering in the lead up to certain death? Do you think we need to improve the palliative care that's available to avoid this, or pursue assisted dying for certain types, on a case by case basis? If so, who moderates that as you often say on this podcast?”

Stuart believes it should be legalised on a case-by-case basis, but not institutionalised, expressing concern that legislation could turn it into a bureaucratic "tick box exercise". William explores how death remains an uncomfortable topic in Western cultures, fraught with intense emotions, even around unassisted passing. Both hosts agree euthanasia is a complex issue without clear answers, so society must continue discussing openly.

Then, Tommy from Alloa in Scotland poses the next question for discussion:

“You talk about thinking 8 generations forward and back. With that in mind, are we doing the right stuff right now for the generations to follow when considering the climate crisis we indisputably face?”

Stuart brings up the fact that merely recognizing the impact on those eight generations is a good start. William advocates learning from the past about what we did well and poorly, while avoiding rushed construction that fails to fully consider long-term ramifications. Both Stuart and William challenge listeners to embrace "intergenerational thinking" in all their endeavours, looking beyond short political cycles, and more towards lasting positive change.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

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This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 

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