A Discussion of 'Regret' as a Model for Ethical Disclosure Generally and in the Context of the Provision of Life Sustaining Measures in Queensland (or: 'Why are there no Ethical Child Prodigies?')

Mark W Sayers

doi:10.5204/qutlr.v6i2.187

Abstract

The child prodigy has long been standard fare for human interest television shows: 5 year olds that play Mozart sonatas; 6 year olds that have memorized all the biographical details of every American president; and one memorable prodigy I particularly recall who, as a 4 year old, could recite in either chronological or alphabetical order all the Oscar winners for best male lead. But there is one notable omission from the pantheon of prodigies: to date there has not been an 8year old prodigy purporting to be a bioethicist.

Highlights

A Discussion of ‘Regret’ as a Model for Ethical Discourse Generally and in the Context of the Provision of Life Sustaining Measures in Queensland ourselves, would we want such a child to make a decision about refusing us lifesustaining measures or withdrawing such measures from us?
Perhaps one reason why the juvenile ethical prodigy is unprecedented is because the skill or art that is ethical decision-making requires something more of the decision-maker than the mere ability to identify the relevant heuristic framework, mode of discourse or spectrum of statutory criteria relevant to end of life decisions such as to refuse or withdraw life-sustaining measures
The bitter tears of frustration or regret which often flow from confronting our limitations in a world containing many harsh realities, are an necessary if albeit insufficient criterion for ethical decision-making?

Summary

Introduction

A Discussion of ‘Regret’ as a Model for Ethical Discourse Generally and in the Context of the Provision of Life Sustaining Measures in Queensland ourselves, would we want such a child to make a decision about refusing us lifesustaining measures or withdrawing such measures from us?

Results

Conclusion