Arthur J. Dyck Additional Author mixed material bibliography Michigan: William B.Eerdman Michigan: William B.Eerdman 2002 monographic en English

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Meticulously taking apart the arguments in favor of euthanasia and physician-assisted sui- cide, Arthur Dyck shows how, ultimately, they undermine the very basis of human commu- nity. He brilliantly defends the 700-year-old Anglo-American tradition of law favoring life, which depends equally on the rights tradition of Hobbes and Locke and the Christian belief in humanity made in God's image. Enriched with anecdotes and sociological research, this concise, clearly written book is invaluable for experts and general readers alike." MARY SHIVANANDAN Catholic University of America TODAY THERE IS GROWING acceptance of the idea of physician-assisted suicide. Even Chris- tians are beginning to factor the possibility into their ethical understandings. Would it not be compassionate to acquiesce in a terminally ill patient's request to end it all? This senti- ment seems reasonable, even humane. But as Harvard ethicist Arthur J. Dyck shows in this powerful work, there are solid moral and prac tical bases for the existing laws against assisted suicide in the United States and elsewhere. Over the course of four interconnected, tightly reasoned arguments, Dyck takes read- ers from a basic concern for human suffering the main focus of those who support assis ted suicide to the deeper truths of life's inherent worth. He begins by examining the arguments of some physicians, moral philos ophers, and theologians for making assisted suicide available. He also discusses the alter- native practice of "comfort-only care," ex- WM. B. FERDMANS PUBLISHING Co. plaining why it differs morally from assisted suicide and euthanasia. Dyck then explores and defends the moral structure underlying the West's long tradition of homicide law as well as current law against assisted suicide and euthanasia laws designed to protect both freedom and human life. Finally, Dyck shows that the moral structure undergirding our sys tem of law is compatible with the views of Christianity, and he points to certain Christian beliefs that provide comfort and hope to those who are suffering, dying, or experiencing the death of loved ones. Throughout the book, Dyck staunchly maintains that assisted suicide is unacceptable in any and all circumstances. The practice denies terminally ill patients the possibility of recovery and robs them of the chance to rethink the meaning of their lives or to achieve spiritual growth. Furthermore, because it undermines the shared moral structure that makes community possible, assisted suicide bodes ill for society as a whole. Life's Worth is a must-read for anyone grappling with this hotly debated issue. ARTHUR J. DYCK is Mary B. Saltonstall Pro- fessor of Population Ethics at the Harvard School of Public Health, and codirector of the Kennedy Interfaculty Program in Medical Eth ics, Harvard University. He is also the author of On Human Care: An Introduction to Ethics, Rethinking Rights and Responsibilities: The Moral Honds of Community, and When Killing is Wung Physician Assisted Suicide and the Courts. Human life 179.70802845940 Transformatio Library Bandung Theological Seminary 179.7 Dyc l E07005347 Non Fiction 179.7 Dyc l 46051 2014-12-09 10:16:07 2024-10-21 17:22:40 machine generated