Aristotle and Brain Death
This class will consider the neurological determination of death, also known as “brain death”, by exploring three themes:
- how the dead differ from the living;
- whether brain death and death refer to the same biological phenomenon; and
- what Aristotle and other figures in the history of Western philosophy can teach us about both.
Our exploration of these themes will be framed by the debate over the status of individuals who have been declared dead even though their bodies display otherwise indisputable signs of life, such as breath, pulse, and warmth. We will focus on this ambiguity, which much of the literature about brain death does not address.
Location
The Third Floor/Slim's Diner
4201 Georgia Ave. NW
Washington,
DC
20011
Neighborhood: Petworth
Classes will take place on the third floor. Enter through the side door on Ninth Street NW. This location has stairs, but no elevator.
Past event