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Killing and letting die: Hidden value assumptions

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  • Atkinson, Gary

Abstract

In this paper I argue for several related theses: first, that the distinction between killing and letting die, as it is drawn by ordinary persons in ordinary contexts, is more complex than is generally understood; second, that the key feature of this complexity lies in the presence of a hidden normative component in what appears to be a straightforwardly descriptive distinction; and, third, that this complexity renders the killing/letting die distinction an inadequate and hazardous guide for moral reasoning.

Suggested Citation

  • Atkinson, Gary, 1983. "Killing and letting die: Hidden value assumptions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 17(23), pages 1915-1925, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:17:y:1983:i:23:p:1915-1925
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