Human Self-determination Research Articles

Changes in Dutch opinions on active euthanasia, 1966 through 1991.

THE NETHERLANDS appears to have a worldwide reputation for tolerant policies on controversial issues such as abortion, drug abuse, and euthanasia. In a comparative survey of 15 countries, including the United States and Canada, the Dutch had by far the most permissive orientation. 1 Tolerant in this context has positive connotations for some and negative for others, who interpret this tolerance as a loss of fundamental values that inevitably leads to a disintegration of society. Policies must have at least some basis in public opinion and in opinions of the relevant professional groups, especially in an extremely value-laden topic such as active euthanasia. Euthanasia involves such values as the sanctity of life and human self-determination, as well as medical-professional ethics that may be seen as more or less derived from such values. In this article, we examine the development of public opinion on the issue of active euthanasia and the

Changes in Dutch Opinions on Active Euthanasia, 1966 Through 1991

THE NETHERLANDS appears to have a worldwide reputation for tolerant policies on controversial issues such as abortion, drug abuse, and euthanasia. In a comparative survey of 15 countries, including the United States and Canada, the Dutch had by far the most permissive orientation.¹"Tolerant" in this context has positive connotations for some and negative for others, who interpret this tolerance as a loss of fundamental values that inevitably leads to a disintegration of society. Policies must have at least some basis in public opinion and in opinions of the relevant professional groups, especially in an extremely value-laden topic such as active euthanasia. Euthanasia involves such values as the sanctity of life and human self-determination, as well as medical-professional ethics that may be seen as more or less derived from such values. In this article, we examine the development of public opinion on the issue of active euthanasia and the

Indians of the Americas: Human Rights and Self-Determination

Indians of the Americas: Human Rights and Self-Determination

Indians of the Americans: Human Rights and Self-Determination.

Indians of the Americans: Human Rights and Self-Determination.

Super-God: Divine Infinity and Human Self-Determination

Super-God: Divine Infinity and Human Self-Determination

Autointerpretation, Competence, and the Continuing Validity of Article 2(7) of the UN Charter

With the failure of the United Nations to control the use of force by states to the degree that many had wished for, the attention of many commenators shifted to what was hoped would be more fertile ground—the protection of human rights, self-determination, and other areas in which the organization might play a supranational role. In discussing the development of the supranational aspect of the organization, attention is invariably directed to Article 2(7) of the Charter which is, of course, the current symbol of sovereignty. Since most visionaries are frustrated by the concept of sovereignty, it is not surprising that this article has received little sympathy on the part of many who are more concerned with ends than means. Yet it is doubtful whether the concept may be dismissed summarily and, since it plays such a key role in so many of the allegedly developing fields of international law, one would do well to consider how Article 2(7), properly interpreted, affects the legal assumption on which supranationalism is based.