Ethical Issues in Death and Dying

by Tom L. Beauchamp, Robert M. Veatch Ph.D.

This anthology of major classical and contemporary views on key ethical aspects of death and dying is the only philosophically sophisticated, interdisciplinary, and up-to-date introduction to the subject available. Pairs pro and con arguments to give a balanced perspective. Covers a range of topics that reflect the latest developments at the frontier of the field. Provides clearly and carefully written section introductions that define the issues to be discussed. Introduces each selection with a brief editorial essay. Features up-to-date and solid analyses of all issues. Offers an excellent introduction to ethical theory.

472 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1978

About the author

Tom Lamar Beauchamp was an American philosopher specializing in the work of David Hume, moral philosophy, bioethics, and animal ethics. He was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Georgetown University, where he was Senior Research Scholar at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics.
Beauchamp authored or co-authored several books on ethics and on Hume, including Hume and the Problem of Causation (1981, with Alexander Rosenberg), Principles of Biomedical Ethics (1985, with James F. Childress), and The Human Use of Animals (1998, with F. Barbara Orlans et al). He was the co-editor with R. G. Frey of The Oxford Handbook of Animal Ethics (2011). He was also the co-editor of the complete works of Hume, The Critical Edition of the Works of David Hume (1999), published by Oxford University Press.

Reviews

[GingerOrange · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF 50%.

I just wasn't in the mood for this book. Its a study on the ethics of dying from a medics perspective. I think that was why the language was relatively easier to follow compared to other books of this nature I have read. Having said that, easier doesn't mean easy. It was still an academic book so not completely easy to read. And it was published in the 70's so some of the terms and references were outdated.

I think it flagged up a lot of interesting perspectives and questions. It got me thinking on my own ideas on dying, especially our responsbilities to the more vulnerable. I came away with more questions than answers. But on questions on ethics, I don't imagine there'll ever be definitive answers.

[Belle Meade School]

174.2

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death and dying topic spans accords many specialties of nursing. You will encounter it sooner or later. This book gives a lot of insights to how to approach death and dying in a way best for the patient’s interests and the grieving family. How to determine what is ethical and what is humane in caring for patient with terminal illness as well as brain dead, patients who can or cannot make medical decisions for themselves at end of life.