Abstract

This dissertation argues that values are a significant factor in shaping the concepts and operational definitions of death. ;First the religious concept is introduced and refined to take account of the major Old and New Testament values on physical death. In this setting the major values common to both the religious concept and the medical definitions of death are noted. ;The role played by values in shaping the secular concept of death is evaluated in the light of the views of Descartes, Kant, and Russell, and in the light of Douglas Walton's refined secular concept. Then the secular concept of death is refined and compared to the refined religious concept. Also those major values which are common to both the secular concept and the medical definitions of death are noted. ;The operational or medical definitions of death are then considered. This examination shows that values have a part in shaping the newer definitions of brain death. There are three sections to this examination. First it considers how values were involved in the development of the whole brain death definition. Secondly, it identifies the major values expressly recognized in contemporary literature concerning refinements to the brain death criteria. Thirdly, it compares these major values with the values being used to refine the application of the whole brain death criteria to seriously deformed newborns. ;A suggestion is made for verifying new medical criteria for determining death. First, it is noted that there are major values which are common to various concepts and medical definitions of death. Secondly, it is suggested that these "common values" provide an approach to comparing new medical definitions with the concepts of death. Where these new criteria share the same major values as the concept of death, then this "common values approach" may provide a useful way for verifying the conceptual validity of these new medical definitions of death. In addition, this common values approach would give greater opportunity for the development of new definitions to meet the challenges of modern medicine while maintaining a morally valuable and satisfying method of verification