On Making Life and Death Decisions

Abstract

Recent research has provided us with methods by which an individual can make decisions that involve risk to his life in a way that is consistent with his total preferences and with his current risk environment. These methods may ethically be used only by the individual himself or by an agent designated by the individual. In the absence of such delegation, anyone who imposes a risk on another is guilty of assault if the risk is large enough. Just as society has found ways to distinguish a “pat on the back” from physical battery, so must it now determine what risk may be placed upon another without his consent.