This is a contribution to the much-debated area of the value that we should place on human life. With the euthanasia issue highlighted in the public arena this book argues for a non-absolutist highest value on life ethic and explores how that fits with society's emphasis on individual autonomy. Not only are the arguments for and against placing a highest value on life explored but the way of arguing particularly the use of slippery slopes is discussed. By the use of everyday examples, the impact of placing a high value on life is explored. A futuristic intensive care ward round illustrates the ethical and resource issues with which we would be challenged in adopting a highest value on life policy for medical decisions.
By:
Ian Olver Imprint: Springer-Verlag New York Inc. Country of Publication: United States Edition: 2002 ed. Volume: 14 Dimensions:
Height: 297mm,
Width: 210mm,
Spine: 11mm
Weight: 950g ISBN:9781402010293 ISBN 10: 140201029X Series:International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine Pages: 168 Publication Date:30 November 2002 Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
,
A / AS level
,
Further / Higher Education
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
1: In the Beginning.- 2: The Definition of Death.- 3: Death Relative to Life.- 4: Autonomy and Life or Death Decisions.- 5: Slippery Slopes and Life and Death.- 6: Limited Resources Limiting Life?.- 7: Future Ethics.- Endnotes.