Summary
Contents
Subject index
Aging and dying are inevitable. However, coming to terms with this truth can be difficult, especially in the modern context with an excessive dependence and faith in biomedicine. Advances in biomedicine and life-prolongation strategies along with changes in social-cultural structures pose a different kind of predicament – the percentage of aging population is on the rise and, at the same time, traditional strategies for taking care of the elderly and their problems are being replaced by more impersonal state-driven methods. India, with its large population, poor biomedical facilities for the average person, and widespread poverty, yet fast changing attitudes towards family and the aged, faces a great crisis today.
The collection of essays in this volume addresses different aspects of this issue. The first section is both philosophical and prescriptive. It explores our rich religious and philosophical tradition to probe the very concepts of life and death and then suggests strategies - age old and time-tested - for coping with the inevitability of aging and dying. Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic perspectives on aging, dying, euthanasia, and related concepts are explored and coping strategies suggested.
The second section deals with socio-ethical issues related to aging and dying in the Indian context, in light of the existing state of affairs and possible directions for the future. The third and final section looks at the most pressing problems that confront both Indian society and medicine – end-of-life care.
Paternalistic Decisions for the Comate and Dying Aged: A Neo-Vedantic Perspective
Paternalistic Decisions for the Comate and Dying Aged: A Neo-Vedantic Perspective
Both physicians and relatives of the comate or the dying claim the right to decide to either terminate or prolong the life of the afflicted on their behalf. Physicians are looked upon as better judges on life-issues owing to their expertise; relatives seem to have the legitimate rights over the lives of those dying. These decisions are called ‘paternalistic’, as they seem to be protective, compassionate and benevolent. In extreme cases, paternalistic decisions are in conflict with the interests of those dying. In general, the debate on paternalistic decisions is related to diseases and old age. It is argued, on slippery grounds, that the ...
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