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Defining human death: an intersection of bioethics and metaphysics
1Arizona State University at the West Campus, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. bertha.manninen@asu.edu
Reviews in the Neurosciences
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Defining human death remains contentious. This paper argues that resolving the definition of death requires first addressing metaphysical questions of personal identity over time.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Metaphysics
- Bioethics
Background:
- The definition of human death is a long-standing debate among bioethicists and medical professionals.
- Existing theories include the Harvard Criteria of Brain Death, Cognitive Criteria, and the Irreversibility Standard.
Observation:
- Current definitions of death focus on biological or cognitive cessation.
- Disagreements persist due to the complexity of defining consciousness and irreversibility.
Findings:
- The paper proposes that the definition of death is fundamentally linked to metaphysical concepts of diachronic identity and personal persistence.
- Understanding personal identity over time is a necessary prerequisite for resolving debates on the definition of death.
Implications:
- Addressing metaphysical foundations can inform ethical debates on end-of-life issues, such as euthanasia and organ procurement.
- This approach offers a new framework for bioethical discussions on defining death and personal identity.
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