Does the death of the body constitute death of the person?

... Course: Sociology 2h Examination no: 3274833 Matriculation no: 0232748 Word count: 2435 DOES THE DEATH OF THE BODY CONSTITUTE THE DEATH OF THE PERSON? Does the death of the body constitute death of the person? Introduction Death of the body and death of the person hold different meanings according to physicians, theologists, transplant surgeons and the public. Since the eighteenth century, biological death has focused on either the centralist or decentralist theory, which have shifted from the cessation of the heart to define death, to a more overall view of the body. Firstly, it is important to outline the historical and contemporary definitions of death, including a consideration of the recent term 'brain-stemmed death' (BSD) in relation to fears of confounding factors (Powner et al, 1996: 1219). When the body dies medically, all links with a former life are eradicated and the focus rapidly shifts to the next patient or donor recipient. However, for friends and

want to read more? →