Give Up

[The Hammer]

At what point does one give up on the life of another?

When is too much medical intervention exactly that, too much?

Who's decision is it really?

 

[vulcanlogician]

It is, of course, the person's own decision so far as they are mentally fit to make it.

Things become murkier when others make decisions on another's behalf, but a schema of what is permissible could be logically construed by referring to the values of the person in question. As best we can. Given what we know about them.

 

[The Hammer]

It is, of course, the person's own decision so far as they are mentally fit to make it.

And when the person was never competent enough to make their own decisions in the first place?

When does a caregiver finally say enough is enough?

 

[Quagmire]

And when the person was never competent enough to make their own decisions in the first place?

When does a caregiver finally say enough is enough?

I think the caregiver would have to decide what the most compassionate thing to do would be.

 

[vulcanlogician]

And when the person was never competent enough to make their own decisions in the first place?

Then euthanasia is morally permissible. It can't be otherwise. If the person couldn't (or didn't) make coherent statements about their wishes, it is impossible to discern what those wishes might be. It might be a living hell to live motionless, sustained by a feeding tube. But, then again it does sound like a pretty easy lifestyle.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I think if the person lingers on the edge that what matters most is calming their fears and not letting them feel the throes of death. If they come back, then good. I'd not want to feel fear and pain and would rather fall asleep. Most likely I won't get to die that way, but I have seen a peaceful death aided by morphine. I'd want to go that way even if the morphine introduced a bit more risk that I might die sooner. I'd want family near by talking to me, perhaps stroking my head, perhaps some ice cream in my mouth, perhaps a gentle breeze and pleasant sounds. They could remember me smiling on my way out.

 

[Heyo]

And when the person was never competent enough to make their own decisions in the first place?

When does a caregiver finally say enough is enough?

This isn't just a hypothetical question, is it? I'm so sorry.
There are professionals who have thought about that question and they have developed ethical standards for a and with reason - and usually they are willing to share their wisdom. Have you talked to them? I know they will dump the final decision on you but they should be able to help you.
Take care.

 

[Twilight Hue]

At what point does one give up on the life of another?

When is too much medical intervention exactly that, too much?

Who's decision is it really?

Either way is noble and honorable because none of it is decided through malice, but such a decision shouldn't be made or influenced by other people. It should only be made by yourself.

If you're talking about a personal situation that is ongoing, then I do wish you much strength and insight as well as wisdom.

 

[Heyo]

It's not on the topic but it is related. The whole course is interesting but this lecture has some valuable thoughts:
PHIL 176 - Lecture 24 - Suicide, Part I: The Rationality of Suicide | Open Yale Courses

Edit: Click on 4. to go to 28:51 to go to the important part.

 

[flowerpower]

This is an actually pretty heavy OP.

I know people are picturing people either in palliative care or on the tail end of some tragedy where a very difficult discussion must be had but I think it also applies to people whose mental health and subsequent habitual behaviour(s) becomes untenable to the people that love them.

There are a lot of really sad stories out there about parents who have actually been counselled into cutting off contact with their adult children because the relationship has become too toxic for them to bare anymore.

 

[RestlessSoul]

At what point does one give up on the life of another?

When is too much medical intervention exactly that, too much?

Who's decision is it really?

Nature’s, ultimately. She’ll always have the final say

 

[Aupmanyav]

I think if the person lingers on the edge that what matters most is calming their fears and not letting them feel the throes of death. If they come back, then good. I'd not want to feel fear and pain and would rather fall asleep. Most likely I won't get to die that way, but I have seen a peaceful death aided by morphine. I'd want to go that way even if the morphine introduced a bit more risk that I might die sooner. I'd want family near by talking to me, perhaps stroking my head, perhaps some ice cream in my mouth, perhaps a gentle breeze and pleasant sounds. They could remember me smiling on my way out.

Nice description, most people would agree. But you have not inserted God and Jesus in it as you normally do.

 

[Aupmanyav]

And when the person was never competent enough to make their own decisions in the first place?
When does a caregiver finally say enough is enough?

Passive euthanasia legal in India (refusal of treatment / withdrawal of life support). 'Living Will' is accepted. But active euthanasia is not legal in India. Euthanasia in India - Wikipedia

 

[SalixIncendium]

At what point does one give up on the life of another?

When is too much medical intervention exactly that, too much?

Who's decision is it really?

The decision lies with the individual. In the case that the individual is not capable of making the decision, the decision should lie with whoever was appointed medical proxy. If there was none appointed, the decision should lie with the next of kin who has the patient's best interests in mind.

I don't think I or anyone else here is qualified to determine how much medical intervention is "too much," because none of us here will be the one forced to make the decision, and while we can empathize and try to understand what the patient and/or the person making the decision is going through, unless we are living it, we are not in a position to decide.

It's a difficult choice, but if it's not the patient making the decision, I think it's best to do one's best to assess things from the patient's perspective.

 

[ChristineM]

And when the person was never competent enough to make their own decisions in the first place?

When does a caregiver finally say enough is enough?

In that case the next of kin/caregiver must decide (in consultation with medical professionals)
if the persons quality of life is adequate or may possibly be adequate in the future.

 

[Yerda]

At what point does one give up on the life of another?

When is too much medical intervention exactly that, too much?

Who's decision is it really?

Only you can know this, brother.

 

[Altfish]

At what point does one give up on the life of another?

When is too much medical intervention exactly that, too much?

Who's decision is it really?

It is very hard.
We went through this with my father last year. He was in a lot of pain and his quality of life was gone.
We told the doctors in the hospital to make him as comfortable as they could, I'd like to think they upped his painkillers to a level that speeded his death, I'll never know.
He was 92, he'd had a good and fulfilling life until about 18 months before he passed away.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Nice description, most people would agree. But you have not inserted God and Jesus in it as you normally do.

Do I? I don't think The Hammer puts up with that kind of behavior. I might lose a toe.