April 2020

The next class meeting will be next Sunday, May 3, on Zoom.

Last time, we began by analyzing a collection of news articles relating to terminal illness, end of life predictions, and euthanasia / PAS. These included documentation of real-life examples of victims of legalized euthanasia / assisted suicide. Plus, doctors aren't even always correct in their predictions about how long a terminally ill person will live. And untreated pain or depression is often behind requests for euthanasia. Please see the Resources section for links to several of these articles.

In his book, Into the Gray Zone, neuroscientist Dr. Adrian Owen reveals the amazing results of his team's research with patients diagnosed to be in a "persistent vegetative state" (or PVS). There are many articles and videos available online that discuss various aspects of his findings, but the book is a much more in-depth and fascinating account.

His initial findings that Kate, "Patient 1," who appeared totally unresponsive, nevertheless had a completely normal brain response to testing shocked not just his team but the medical world. In successive research, his team has found that some 20% of patients with a PVS diagnosis whom they have scanned are in fact "vibrantly" conscious and aware. This number might even increase as detection methods improve.

The articles we discussed in class:

1. When doctors steal hope
2. PWP Founder Dick Jackson, In Loving Memory, 5-26-37 to 3-15-12
3. Dutch doctor cleared despite euthanising patient against her will

The next class meeting will be next Sunday, April 26, on Zoom.

Last time, we began by briefly considering the article assigned for homework: "After Birth Abortion." This article argues that, logically, there is no difference between the value of an infant before and after birth. So far so good. The disturbing part is that instead of seeing that therefore unborn children should be protected, the authors argue that born infants also should not.

If you missed the class and want to catch up:

• The class recording is now up! Please see your email for the link.
• (Optional) Read pp. 61-73 (p 20-32 in the PDF) in "Ethics & Justice: Chp 4."

Homework:

The next class meeting will be next Sunday, April 19.
No class this Sunday (4/12).

Last time, we listened to and discussed Act 3 of the audio drama Robert & Emma. In this episode,"Emma's Dream," Emma has to choose a Supreme Court decision that she disagrees with, and argue the opposite before a mock panel of judges in order to win a scholarship to law school. Issues of ethics, justice, and academic freedom are addressed.

If you missed the class or want to review, I have posted the class videos. As per usual, they are unlisted, so people need the link to find them. Please check your email for the links.

If you missed the class or want to review:

• Print off the Robert & Emma discussion handout (emailed).
• Check your email for the links to the class recordings. Fill in the top part of your handout while you watch.
• Alternatively: Read the script for Act 3 (see email for where to find it).
• Complete the homework assignment.

Homework resources: