Question 1

The traditional heart-lung standard for death states that a person is dead if

Accepted Answer

A)  their respiration has irreversibly ceased 
B)  their circulation has irreversibly ceased 
C)  (a) or (b) 
D)  (a) and (b) 
A)  their respiration has irreversibly ceased 
B)  their circulation has irreversibly ceased 
C)  (a) or (b) 
D)  (a) and (b) D

Question 2

What are the two main grounds the Commission cites in favor of its "whole brain" standard for death? In what ways, according to the Commission, is the brain more "central" to life than other bodily organs or functions? Is the Commission's case for the "whole brain" standard convincing? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The two main grounds the Commission cites in favor of its "whole brain" standard for death are the idea that the brain is the central organ that coordinates and regulates all bodily functions, and that the loss of brain function is irreversible and results in the permanent cessation of all functions necessary for life.

According to the Commission, the brain is more "central" to life than other bodily organs or functions because it is responsible for controlling and coordinating all bodily functions, including those of the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. The Commission argues that without brain function, the body cannot maintain homeostasis or sustain life, making the brain the most essential organ for life.

The Commission's case for the "whole brain" standard is convincing in that it provides a clear and logical rationale for why brain function should be the determining factor for death. The idea that the brain is the central regulator of all bodily functions and that its irreversible loss results in the permanent cessation of life is a compelling argument for using the "whole brain" standard.

However, some may argue that the Commission's case is not convincing because it does not take into account the potential for advancements in medical technology that could potentially restore brain function in the future. Additionally, there may be ethical considerations regarding the determination of death based solely on brain function, as opposed to other bodily functions. Overall, while the Commission's case for the "whole brain" standard is strong, there are potential counterarguments that could be considered.

Question 3

Which of the following developments led the Commission to investigate the possibility of a new medical standard for declaring death?

Accepted Answer

A)  the increased use of artificial means to sustain respiration and circulation 
B)  the desire to encourage organ donation 
C)  the growing economic costs of medical care near the end of life 
D)  the increase in human lifespans in the twentieth century 
A)  the increased use of artificial means to sustain respiration and circulation 
B)  the desire to encourage organ donation 
C)  the growing economic costs of medical care near the end of life 
D)  the increase in human lifespans in the twentieth century A

Question 4

The "higher brain" standard states that a person is dead

Accepted Answer

A)  when the brain fails to integrate the various functions of the body 
B)  when her psychological capacities, including her consciousness, have been irreversibly lost 
C)  when the brain's cells have all died 
D)  when the body's tissues begin to decay 
A)  when the brain fails to integrate the various functions of the body 
B)  when her psychological capacities, including her consciousness, have been irreversibly lost 
C)  when the brain's cells have all died 
D)  when the body's tissues begin to decay

Question 5

The 'whole brain' standard for determining death implies that a person may be declared dead when respiration and circulation are maintained by artificial means.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

One consequence of the "higher brain" standard is that those in persistent vegetative states (such as Karen Quinlan) are "just as dead as a corpse." Is that a compelling reason to reject the higher brain standard? In what sense, if any, are those in persistent vegetative states living persons?

Accepted Answer

The statement that those in persistent v

Question 7

The model legislation proposed by the Commission states that an individual has died when

Accepted Answer

A)  their circulatory and respiratory functions have irreversibly ceased 
B)  the functions of their entire brain, including the brain stem, have irreversibly ceased 
C)  (a) and (b) 
D)  (a) or (b) 
A)  their circulatory and respiratory functions have irreversibly ceased 
B)  the functions of their entire brain, including the brain stem, have irreversibly ceased 
C)  (a) and (b) 
D)  (a) or (b)

Exam 1: Defining Death

The traditional heart-lung standard for death states that a person is dead if

Which of the following developments led the Commission to investigate the possibility of a new medical standard for declaring death?

The "higher brain" standard states that a person is dead

The 'whole brain' standard for determining death implies that a person may be declared dead when respiration and circulation are maintained by artificial means.

One consequence of the "higher brain" standard is that those in persistent vegetative states (such as Karen Quinlan) are "just as dead as a corpse." Is that a compelling reason to reject the higher brain standard? In what sense, if any, are those in persistent vegetative states living persons?

The model legislation proposed by the Commission states that an individual has died when

Defining Death in a Technological World

We Die When Entropy Overwhelms Homeostasis

What It Is to Die

The Tragic Sense of Life Excerpts

Can We Survive Our Deaths

The Possibility of an Afterlife

Letter to Menoeceus

Two Arguments for Epicureanism

Why Death Is Not Bad for the One Who Dies

Death Is Bad for Us When Were Dead

Making Death Not Quite As Bad for the One Who Dies

On the Nature of Things Excerpts

If You Want to Die Later, Then Why Dont You Want to Have Been Born Earlier

Coming Into and Going Out of Existence

The Epic of Gilgamesh Excerpts

The Story of the Man Who Did Not Wish to Die

How to Live a Never-Ending Novela

Taking Stock of the Risks of Life Without Death

Immortality, Boredom, and Standing for Something

Death, Mortality, and Meaning

Fitting Attitudes Towards Deprivations

The Enchiridion Excerpts

Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion Excerpts

Voluntary Death Excerpts

Letter to Lucilius

Why Grieve

The Significance of Future Generations

Death and Survival Online

Whether One Is Allowed to Kill Oneself Excerpts

Of Suicide Excerpts

Suicide Is Sometimes Rational and Morally Defensible

Suicide and Its Discontents

An Irrational Suicide

World As Will and Representation Excerpts

Death in Mind

Meaning in Life in Spite of Death

Out of the Blue Into the Black

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