Responsibility and technology: the issue of dysthanasia

Abstract

This article reflects on dysthanasia, as consequence of scientific-technological development that led to instrumentalization of Medicine and medicalization of death. It presents aspects of medical training, which imply that death is seen not as part of life but rather as synonym of physician’s failure. It argues that scientific progress allows healing the disease but not death, which becomes necessary to reflect on systematic and uncritical use of technology at the end of life. The analysis bases in the Han Jonas’ principle of responsibility, taken as major philosophical tool to understand the context. It seeks to assess the causes and underlining bioethical principles to dysthanasia and the relationship technological development-responsibility, within the scope of clinical practice at the terminal stage. Still, one will try to show the necessity to change the paradigm on treating the sick, mostly at the chronic or terminal stage, as corollary for this responsibility.