| Value theory and the best interests standard. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 11653032 Owner: KIE Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The idea of a patient's best interests raises issues in prudential value theory -- the study of what makes up an individual's ultimate (nonmoral) good or well-being. While this connection may strike a philosopher as obvious, the literature on the best interests standard reveals almost no engagement of recent work in value theory. There seems to be a growing sentiment among bioethicists that their work is independent of philosophical theorizing. Is this sentiment wrong in the present case? Does value theory make a significant difference in interpreting best interests? In pursuing this question, I begin with a quick sketch of broad kinds of value theories, identifying representatives that are plausible enough to count as contenders. I then explore what each account suggests in (1) neonatal treatment decisions, and (2) decisions for patients in persistent vegetative states. I conclude that while these accounts converge somewhat in their interpretations of best interests, they also have importantly different implications. |
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Authors:
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David DeGrazia |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Bioethics Volume: 9 ISSN: 0269-9702 ISO Abbreviation: Bioethics Publication Date: 1995 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1995-11-28 Completed Date: 1995-11-28 Revised Date: 2004-11-17 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8704792 Medline TA: Bioethics Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 50-61 Citation Subset: E |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Decision Making* Ethical Theory* Ethics* Euthanasia, Passive* Humans Infant, Newborn Life Support Care* Persistent Vegetative State Philosophy* Reference Standards* Risk Risk Assessment Social Values Stress, Psychological Third-Party Consent* Wounds and Injuries |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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