Choosing to die
Book Description
In an era where medical advances can extend life far beyond what previous generations experienced, individuals facing terminal illness confront profound questions about choice, dignity, and the meaning of a life well-lived. Philosopher C.G. Prado offers a thoughtful examination of one of our most challenging ethical territories: the rational consideration of ending one's life when confronted with devastating illness.
This work goes beyond simple arguments for or against end-of-life choices, instead exploring how our increasingly diverse cultural landscape shapes our understanding of what constitutes right action. Prado introduces the concept of "coincidental culture" to help readers navigate the complex web of values and beliefs that inform these deeply personal decisions. He also presents the notion of a "proxy premise" as a tool for working through reasoning challenges that arise when deeply held convictions seem impossible to reconcile.
Rather than offering easy answers, this book invites readers to engage with the philosophical foundations underlying medical ethics. Prado challenges both healthcare professionals and individuals to develop a more nuanced theoretical framework for approaching these life-and-death questions.
While primarily written for medical ethicists, this exploration speaks to anyone grappling with the intersection of personal autonomy, cultural values, and the profound responsibility that comes with having choices our ancestors never faced. The work offers intellectual tools for navigating some of life's most consequential decisions with greater clarity and philosophical grounding.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 211 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Euthanasia, Active
- ✓ Explore Health behavior
- ✓ Explore Patient refusal of treatment
- ✓ Understand death from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Cultural Diversity
- ✓ Explore Cross-Cultural Comparison
- ✓ Understand spiritual ethics
- ✓ Explore Right to die
