The ‘redefinition of death’ debate: Western concepts and western bioethics

Abstract

Biomedicine is a global enterprise constructed upon the belief in the universality of scientific truths. However, despite huge scientific advances over recent decades it has not been able to formulate a specific and universal definition of death: In fact, in its attempt to redefine death, the concept of death appears to have become immersed in ever increasing vagueness and ambiguity. Even more worrisome is that bioethics, in the form of principlism, is also endeavouring to become a global enterprise by claiming neutrality. It appears that the discourse within both disciplines have similarly manipulated the boundaries of death to include the "dying". This paper argues that the redefinition of death debate in biomedicine reveals a concept of personhood which is profoundly western in origin and which is in accordance to the concept adhered to within principlism. Biomedicine and bioethics do not appear to acknowledge the limitations of their own world view and hence lack an understanding of their applicability and appropriateness in diverse social and cultural contexts; a situation which adds credence to claims as to the hegemonic and imperialistic nature of all such global enterprises.

A Comparative Study of Chinese, American and Japanese Nurses’ Perceptions of Ethical Role Responsibilities

“…10,[17][18][19][20][21][22] Furthermore, cross-cultural analyses reveal that cultural values have played a significant role in shaping health care professionals' moral experience. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] As our societies become culturally more diverse, we see a need to expand our understanding of what ethical practice means in different traditions in order to enhance partnerships in international nursing ethics. Against this background, the aim of this study was to survey nurses in different cultural settings to reveal their perceptions of the ethical responsibilities relevant to nursing practice.…”

A Reconceptualization of Suicide and Social Workers’ Duty to Report

“…The month of pregnancy at which life comes into existence and the brain function required to be considered "alive" are all highly contested topics within biomedicine (Jones & Kessel, 2001). In Western culture, life was originally defined by Christianity (Jones & Kessel, 2001). Over time, science has risen to replace religion as the entity with answers, but life continues to elude definition (Jones & Kessel, 2001).…”

“…In Western culture, life was originally defined by Christianity (Jones & Kessel, 2001). Over time, science has risen to replace religion as the entity with answers, but life continues to elude definition (Jones & Kessel, 2001). How can professionals claim superior knowledge about the desire to end one's life when they cannot even agree on a definition?…”

“…Interestingly, though all can agree that life has unmatched value, scientists still disagree about what constitutes life. The month of pregnancy at which life comes into existence and the brain function required to be considered “alive” are all highly contested topics within biomedicine (Jones & Kessel, 2001). In Western culture, life was originally defined by Christianity (Jones & Kessel, 2001).…”