Two Ways to Kill a Patient. Issue 1 (12th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bronner, Ben
• Is Part Of: Journal of medicine and philosophy. Volume 43:Issue 1(2018:Feb.)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2018-01-12
• Subjects: death -- euthanasia -- killing -- letting die -- withdrawing life-sustaining treatment; Medicine -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; Ethics, Medical -- Periodicals; Philosophy, Medical -- Periodicals; 616.001
• DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhx029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5310

Abstract

Abstract: According to the Standard View, a doctor who withdraws life-sustaining treatment does not kill the patient but rather allows the patient to die—an important distinction, according to some. I argue that killing (and causing death) can be understood in either of two ways, and given the relevant understanding, the Standard View is insulated from typical criticisms. I conclude by noting several problems for the Standard View that remain to be fully addressed.