Chronic vegetative states: intrinsic value of biological process

• Published in: The Journal of medicine and philosophy Vol. 9; no. 4; p. 395
• Main Author: Freer, J P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.1984
• Subjects: Bioethics; Coma; Death; Euthanasia; Euthanasia, Active; Human Characteristics; Humans; Moral Obligations; Personhood; Philosophy, Medical; Resource Allocation; Value of Life; Withholding Treatment; Death and Euthanasia; Philosophical Approach; Analytical Approach

A 'naturalistic principle' has been put forth by Rolston, which leads to respect for the irreversibly comatose by virtue of the residual biological (objective) life. By comparing objective and subjective life, he develops a naturalistic principle which he contrasts with the humanistic norm...