Do we ask the right questions?

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2017-07-01
Language
en
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This thesis examines if the core moral issues connected with post-mortem organ donation policies are adequately addressed in the debate on organ donation between classical liberalism and perfectionist liberalism. Three moral issues emerge from the debate on organ donation between these two theoretical schools which are the centre of attention in this thesis. First, the issue of body ownership is addressed. I conclude that nobody owns our body when we are dead. I then analyse the different organ donation systems defended in the debate from an ethical perspective. In this analysis, the concepts of autonomy and manipulation play an important role. Lastly, I address the question if donating our organs after our death is a moral duty or not. I argue that it is not a moral duty, but a supererogatory duty. During the analysis of these three problems it becomes apparent that the core moral issues connected with post-mortem organ donation, the debates about the existence of supererogation and the moral status of deceased individuals, are not adequately addressed in the debate between classical and perfectionist liberalism on organ donation. Keywords: Post-mortem organ donation, autonomy, body ownership, supererogation, moral duty.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen