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Persons and evidence for death: A reply to Bulzacchelli
1Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA.
The Linacre Quarterly
|May 22, 2014
Summary
This paper critiques Bulzacchelli's argument on death determination, highlighting unclear definitions of "person" and "reduction." It reveals a contradiction in his stance on physiological evidence and whole brain death, questioning the consistency of his reasoning on human existence.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Bioethics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The definition of death, particularly concerning brain death, remains a subject of ethical and philosophical debate.
- Bulzacchelli's argument questions the reductionistic nature of determining death based on physiological cessation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze and respond to Bulzacchelli's argument regarding the determination of death.
- To identify conceptual ambiguities and logical inconsistencies within Bulzacchelli's position.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of key terms: "person" and "reduction."
- Logical critique of the internal consistency of Bulzacchelli's argument.
Main Results:
- Bulzacchelli's argument lacks clear definitions for crucial terms like "person" and "reduction."
- The argument presents a contradiction by labeling physiological cessation as reductionistic while implicitly endorsing reductionistic criteria for continued personhood in cases of whole brain death (WBD).
Conclusions:
- Bulzacchelli's argument against whole brain death is undermined by its own internal contradictions.
- Further clarification of "person" and "reduction" is necessary for a coherent philosophical stance on death determination.
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