Andrew asked:

What is the utilitarian view on euthanasia — if the victim gains maximum benefit then surely the
murderer/ relative will lose out?

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You seem to have the suppressed premise that for each increase in utility for one person there is an
equivalent decrease in utility for another, yet sure this is false. Consider the case that we discover a
cure for the common cold. Huge utility will be generated worldwide through application of the cure yet
surely no individual necessarily looses out.

Specifically with respect to euthanasia I see no reason to suggest that either person looses out, to
illustrate consider the following: Mary is dying slowly and painfully from a cancer, after struggling with
the pain for a long time she decides that she wishes to end her suffering, as her drugs no longer
relieve the pain sufficiently, what's more she knows she will die shortly. Her child John has watched
his mothers struggle with the cancer, nursing her through it, often to such an extent that he is too tired
to properly look after his other interests. When his Mother asks him to help her die, he is deeply
saddened but also relieved; relieved that she will no longer be suffering, and relieved that he will be
able to continue with his life. He duly administers a lethal dose of morphine and she dies peacefully.
Now John gains utility, Mary gained utility and no one obviously lost out. Surely a counterexample to
your assertion.

Mike Lee