Truth

Are there absolute truth(s)?  About what?  How do you know?

Which Theory of Human Nature is Most Persuasive?

Which of the theories of human nature in the Stevenson book do you find most persuasive and why?  Use specific examples.  You don’t have to commit to just one theory, you can pick and choose from various theories.  

This should be a lively threaded discussion. . .

Who is the patient?

Is a patient just the individual or the individual in a community/family?  Who should have decision-making powers, especially in end-of-life situations?

Futile Treatment

What is the definition of futile treatment?  Should it be offered?  Should it be given if a patient requests it?

The Diving Bell & the Butterfly

HIV, AIDS, World AIDS Day 3 Dec 12

NYTimes: New H.I.V. Cases Falling in Some Poor Nations, but Treatment Still Lags
A U.N. report showed that 2.5 million people became infected last year, while only 1.4 million received lifesaving treatment for the first time.
http://nyti.ms/WvcC2j

Technology Improvements Undermining Efforts to Reduce Spread of HIV
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/asia/indian-prostitutes-new-autonomy-imperils-aids-fight.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20121125

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/hiv-infections-fall-un-says-ending-aids-feasible/

Hurricane Sandy

from Peter
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/29/us/tropical-weather-sandy/index.html
that just happened last Monday. I am posting this because I can relate this to our recent discussion on advanced directives. It is obvious that anybody can die at any time, especially in the case of a severe natural disaster. This is a very good reason to have an advanced directive as soon as possible.