PHIL103: Moral and Political Philosophy

Patients who fulfill the brain function criterion for death are commonly said to be 'brain dead'. This term, unfortunately, suggests that there are two ways of being dead, being 'brain dead' and being 'really dead'. The term 'brain death' is also used, incorrectly, in other contexts to describe much lesser degrees of neurological dysfunction than it strictly implies. This misuse of the term is to be found in the medical and related professions as much as in the general public. It has lead to confusion surrounding the idea of a brain function criterion and its relation to 'brain death'. It may be that it is too late to reclaim the term for its legitimate use. Whenever it is used, it is important that it is sufficiently qualified to ensure that its meaning is clear, and professional medical bodies may have a role to play in encouraging correct application of the term.