The Sentiment Argument for Artificial Feeding of the Dying

The sentiment argument emphasizes the unique symbolic significance of nourishment and associated deep seated emotions. The argument distinguishes between medical treatments which may be discontinued when there is little or no hope of recovery, and artificial feeding which should not be. To withhold...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Omega: Journal of Death and Dying 1989-01, Vol.20 (3), p.229-237
Main Author: Connelly, R. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Altruism
Artificial
Attitude
Beneficence
Bioethics
Death & dying
Dehumanization
Discontinued
Distortion
Emotions
Equipment and Supplies
Ethics
Euthanasia, Passive
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Medical treatment
Motivation
Nutritional Support
Parent-Child Relations
Persistent Vegetative State
Recovery
Religion
Risk
Risk Assessment
Social Values
Stress, Psychological
Terminally Ill
Withholding Treatment
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Summary:The sentiment argument emphasizes the unique symbolic significance of nourishment and associated deep seated emotions. The argument distinguishes between medical treatments which may be discontinued when there is little or no hope of recovery, and artificial feeding which should not be. To withhold basic sustenance is to starve someone to death. The article describes the probable origins of our feelings about food and drink and shows how they are rooted in our every day world of experience. It is argued that such feelings cannot be transfered without distortion to the hospital world. Rather, authentic sentiment seems to demand discontinuance of artificial feeding of the dying person.
ISSN:0030-2228
1541-3764
DOI:10.2190/NRRY-X97E-T613-AQWT