The Journal of medicine and philosophy
February 1, 2009
Guy Kahane, Julian Savulescu
126 citations
Neuroimaging suggests some vegetative-state patients may be conscious, which might seem to reinforce the moral duty to preserve life. However, the authors question this assumption by clarifying the principle that consciousness is morally significant. They argue that the relevant notion is phenomenal consciousness, and that its presence could actually provide stronger moral reasons not to preserve a patient's life, especially when cognitive function is retained.
The Journal of medicine and philosophy
April 1, 1993
J Mcclenon
12 citations
An experience-centered approach reveals empirical foundations for shamanic healing. Surveys of Chinese, Japanese, Caucasian-American, and African-American populations and participant observation of over thirty Asian shamans show that shamans have a far greater propensity to experience anomalous events—such as apparitions, extrasensory perceptions, contact with the dead, precognitive dreams, clairvoyance, and out-of-body experiences—than general populations. These episodes, interpreted through folk reasoning, support belief in spirits, souls, and life after death. Shamans use these beliefs to produce ceremonies that change clients' perceptions of their illnesses. Although shamanism and Western medicine rest on different foundations, both traditions provide experiences that convince clients that specific procedural methods alleviate illness.
The Journal of medicine and philosophy
August 1, 1996
S Nagatomo, G Leisman
8 citations
The paper argues that Descartes' mind-body dualism, which has shaped modern philosophy and science, is insufficient and proposes an alternative East Asian perspective. It examines conscious experience by focusing on achieved supernormal consciousness rather than normal or subnormal states. The transformation from provisional dualism to non-dualism is studied philosophically and neurophysiologically, using the model of Japanese Zen master Takuan Sôhô. To verify his theory, toposcopic analysis of electroencephalographs from individuals practicing the martial arts technique of tôate is presented.