Abstract

Under the new heading “Philosophie aktuell” topics which are relevant in terms of public, moral, and political discourse will be discussed from a philosophical vantage point. By way of example, the explanatory capacity of philosophical reflection and critique will be demonstrated. The present issue puts the reform of the Transplantation Law under philosophical investigation. Concepts of life and death, in particular that of cerebral death, will be scrutinized. It will be asked whether these concepts are descriptive in nature or prescriptive, normatively charged ones. Are cerebrally dead persons still alive or already dead?