PHIL276 Language in Society
and they can be acted upon , then we can say that she can act autonomously . they value existence at least more than non-existence- our job would be to help facilitate the expression of these values as much as we can .
Concluding remarks
This is where we can begin to round up the analysis of the Margo case . Jaworska concludes that , ‘ So long as the person is still a valuer , current decisions on her behalf ought to take seriously her current values ’ ( Jaworska , 1999 : 137 ). We already know , as argued , that we can reject using Margo ’ s advanced directive as she is a different person to the current Margo , and as such would not constitute any current breach of autonomy that may be unethical .
If Margo in her demented state values her life , then we have every reason to , first and foremost , keep her alive . Kuhse argues that this is problematic since ‘ severely demented patients , in distinction from persons , no longer have an interest in their own continued existence ’ ( Kuhse , 1999 : 361 ). I disagree because this is purely an empirical question . Dementia patient ’ s may not explicitly say they have an interest in continued existence , but if they value things within life , such as artwork , such as helping with medical studies , then we have every right to believe
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The point at which her ability to value ceases , Margot loses her capacity for autonomy . It is imaginable that at this stage of the disease the capacity for valuing , and the capacity for consciousness has reduced so much that a self may not even exist , or only for a very short time . It would then be a case of using a combination of the Hippocratic oath , and a common ethical humanity , to come to a consensus on how we should act in the best interests of the patient . This is not of any controversy ; we assume the role as the caregiver to a new-born baby , and act in its best interests for example , and we would act in Margo ’ s best interests . What may be problematic is if Margo , during the dementia stage does not value life , not value existence , and would value dying peacefully and with dignity via some means of assisted suicide . At that current point we would know the current values of the patient , which would lend weight to undertaking that course of action . The problem may arise if we accept her wishes , then after some time has taken place to ready all the procedures , Margo may have forgotten about this , and