PHL382H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Homicide, Organ Donation, Organ Transplantation
Document Summary
There is a philosophical component to de ning death. Science alone not dictate the meaning of death. These questions are important when we ask when we should start grieving; whether we should bury someone; whether we can harvest someone"s organs; etc. There is a de nition that says permanent cessation of all necessary functions. Another great indicator is when the body is decomposing. A cardiopulmonary view says that death is when there is permanent cessation of heart and respiratory function. Another view says that death is when there is no longer brain function: there is also higher-brain and lower-brain death. We know that irreversible loss of heartbeat is a strong indication of death. This interconnection has allowed us to better determine whether someone is dead or whether something is reversible. There is a deep and long-standing fear of being buried alive. Thus, a test or something of that nature is necessary.
