Mr. Speaker, I really do not think that Max Weber was implying that we are robots and that we must act like robots.
When Weber speaks of distance, he means that I cannot apply my values when dealing with an issue that affects the fundamental rights of others. If I were to do so, I would limit the freedoms of those individuals on the basis of my own values. That is what Weber meant.
In the context of the “dying with dignity” bill, I cannot use my religious beliefs to justify limiting the freedom of individuals who can access medical assistance in dying because they have a deteriorating health condition, because one day they will no longer be capable of giving their consent.
I cannot curtail their freedoms based on my moral principles. I believe that this should guide us in our debate. This does not mean that we leave our values behind, but that certain principles must lead us to greater fairness and greater equality.