Why does Nagel think death is a bad thing? Do you think Nagel is correct? How can an understanding of death inform our understanding of medicine?
Have at least two themes that you can draw out of the Ivan Illych text that relate to medicine and how we handle death. Be able to elaborate on whether you think Tolstoy’s argument is a good one.
What is L.A. Paul’s argument in the article we read in class? What is Brake’s argument in the article we read in class? How did reading those articles change your view on the decision to have a child
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Introduction:
As a medical professor, I believe it is crucial for medical college students to engage in discussions and critical thinking surrounding various ethical and existential issues concerning medicine, death, and human life. In this context, addressing the questions raised in this content is essential for students to develop a more comprehensive understanding of medical practice and its philosophical underpinnings.
Answer 1:
Nagel thinks death is a bad thing because it is the termination of one’s existence and the possibility of enjoying life. He argues that death is a harm because it deprives an individual of future experiences, activities, and possibilities. According to him, death deprives us of everything that we believe makes life worth living, such as social relations, intellectual progress, and emotional experiences.
As for whether Nagel is correct, it is a matter of personal opinion. While some might disagree with his view and argue that death is a part of life and its natural cycle, others might agree with him and see death as an existential threat to human life. Nevertheless, Nagel’s perspective highlights the significance of mortality and the ways in which it shapes our attitudes, choices, and values towards life and medicine.
Understanding death and its consequences is critical for medical professionals to develop ethical approaches to medical practice, including end-of-life care, informed consent, and patient autonomy.
Answer 2:
Two themes that relate to medicine and death in the Ivan Illych text are the role of medical professionals in addressing the patient’s suffering and the importance of recognizing the inevitability of death. Tolstoy’s argument highlights how the medical profession, at times, fails to address the psychological and emotional suffering of patients and focuses solely on the physical symptoms. The text shows how Ivan’s illness becomes a catalyst for his existential questions, leading him to reevaluate his life’s purpose and meaning.
I think Tolstoy’s argument is compelling because it highlights the limitations of modern medicine, which is often symptom-focused and neglects the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. Tolstoy’s argument reminds us that medical professionals need to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of suffering to provide a holistic approach to patient care.
Answer 3:
L.A. Paul’s argument in the article we read in class is that we cannot fully understand the decision to have a child until we experience parenthood ourselves. She argues that becoming a parent is a transformative experience that changes our values, priorities, and preferences in ways that cannot be predicted or fully understood beforehand.
In contrast, Brake’s argument in the article we read in class highlights the ethical issues surrounding the decision to have a child, particularly in the context of overpopulation and climate change. Brake argues that individuals have a moral obligation to consider the environmental impact of their decision to have a child and to act accordingly.
Reading these articles changed my view on the decision to have a child by showing me that it is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful deliberation and reflection. Both authors highlighted the ethical, existential, and social dimensions of this decision, which informed me that there are broader implications to this choice beyond personal desires and values.
