Alzheimer's disease and euthanasia

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Medicine
• Bioethics
• Neuroethics

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease presents complex ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning end-of-life decisions for individuals with diminished autonomy.
• The debate on assisted suicide involves multifaceted considerations of personhood, suffering, and societal values.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the ethical debate surrounding assisted suicide for persons with end-stage Alzheimer's disease.
• To analyze the concepts of "human individual" versus "human person" in the context of cognitive decline.
• To explore challenges faced by patients and caregivers through the framework of Spinozistic ethics and cardinal virtues.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical materialism as the foundational framework.
• Classification of dissociative situations related to personhood.
• Analysis of Spinozistic ethics, including fortitudo, animositas, and generositas.
• Discourse analysis of key terms: "right of choice," "death with dignity," "quality of life," and "compassion in dying."

Main Results:

• Distinguishes between "human individual" and "human person" to address ethical complexities in Alzheimer's.
• Highlights the relevance of Spinozistic virtues in navigating end-of-life care challenges for patients and caregivers.
• Clarifies the underlying philosophical foundations of common arguments in the assisted suicide debate.

Conclusions:

• Philosophical materialism offers a framework for understanding the ethical nuances of assisted suicide in advanced Alzheimer's.
• A deeper understanding of personhood and ethical virtues is crucial for informed discussions on end-of-life choices.
• The paper aims to provide conceptual clarity on contentious issues, fostering more grounded ethical deliberation.