A Biological Theory of Death: Characterization, Justification, and Implications

• Autorzy: Nair-Collins Michael
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

John P. Lizza has long been a major figure in the scholarly literature on criteria for death. His searching and penetrating critiques of the dominant biological paradigm, and his defense of a theory of death of the person as a psychophysical entity, have both significantly advanced the literature. In this special issue, Lizza reinforces his critiques of a strictly biological approach. In my commentary, I take up Lizza’s challenge regarding a biological concept of death. He is certainly right to point out that science is not value-free; however, this does not imply that there cannot be a characterization of biological death that can be shown to be superior to other concepts. After characterizing and justifying such a theory of biological death, I show that patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for brain death are unequivocally biologically alive. However, with respect to concepts of personhood and related ideas (as opposed to biology), I urge the acceptance of a pluralism of such concepts for matters of public policy.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

Lizza; death; definition of death; brain death; neurological criteria for determining death

• Wydawca: Instytut Filozofii - Uniwersytet Jagielloński
• Czasopismo: Diametros
• Rocznik: 2018
• Numer: 55
• Strony: 27-43

Daty

wydano

2018-03

Twórcy

autor

Nair-Collins Michael

• Florida State University College of Medicine,

Bibliografia

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• Lock M. (2004), “Living cadavers and the calculation of death,” Body & Society 10 (2–3): 135–152.
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• Nair-Collins M. (2013), “Brain Death, Paternalism, and the Language of ‘Death’,” Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal 23 (1): 53–104.
• Nair-Collins M. (2015), “Taking Science Seriously in the Definition of Death,” Hastings Center Report 45 (6): 38–48.
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• Nair-Collins M. (2017), “Can the Brain-Dead Be Harmed or Wronged? On the Moral Status of Brain Death and its Implications for Organ Transplantation,” Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal 27 (4): 525–559.
• Nair-Collins M., Miller F.G. (2017), “Do the ‘Brain Dead’ Merely Appear to be Alive?” Journal of Medical Ethics 43 (11): 747–753.
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• President’s Council on Bioethics (2008), Controversies in the Determination of Death: A White Paper by the President’s Council on Bioethics, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington (DC).

Uwagi

EN

Special Topic – Defining Death: Beyond Biology

PL

Temat specjalny – Definiując śmierć: poza biologią

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.13153/diam.1174