Abstract
The parents and medical staff caring for a premature baby struggling for life are faced with the decision of whether or not to continue treatment. Philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose ideas have influenced modern medical ethics, would answer such a question by focusing on human dignity and the chance for the child to lead his own life as an autonomous person. Does the principle on which you are acting qualify as a universal law that could apply to everyone? Following a utilitarian approach means asking what overall social benefits or harms will come from keeping this infant alive, then taking a course of action that provides the greatest good for the greatest number--child, parents, and society. Virtue ethics looks at the quality of the child's life. If it is going to be so reduced that it will not have the overall shape of a human life, then may be best to relieve the infant's pain and not cause him additional suffering. Medical outcomes are hard to predict, moral issues difficult to resolve. But if families and doctors can explore potential options honestly and openly, they will at least have the satisfaction of knowing that the decision they reach is the result of a thoughtful exploration.
Collection
Subject
medical science, premature birth, aggressive treatment, stopping treatment, Kant, Immanuel, categorical imperative, universal law, human dignity, utilitarianism, consequentialism, social benefits vs. social harms, medical costs, greatest good/greatest numbers, virtue ethics, quality of life, humanness, compassionate behavior, conflicts among life's values, Aristotle, reasonable approach, honest discussion, Ethics
Series
Introduction to Phliosophy, The Examined Life
Contributors
Annas, Ph.D., Julia (Performer), Jacobs, Ph.D., Frans C.L.M. (Performer), Kupperman, Ph.D., Joel (Performer), Nussbaum, Ph.D., Martha (Performer), Rachels, Ph.D., James (Performer), Toulmin, Ph.D., Stephen (Performer), Velasquez, Ph.D., Manuel (Performer), INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications (Firm)
Duration
00:28:17 (HH:MM:SS)
Language:
English
Copyright Holder
| Name | INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications |
| Role | Distributor |
| Telephone | 800-576-2988 x122 |
| Address | 150 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 300, Pasadena, CA 91105 |
| [email protected] |
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