One Consequence of the "Higher Brain" Standard Is That Those

question 6

Essay

One consequence of the "higher brain" standard is that those in persistent vegetative states (such as Karen Quinlan) are "just as dead as a corpse." Is that a compelling reason to reject the higher brain standard? In what sense, if any, are those in persistent vegetative states living persons?

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Definitions:

Host Personalities

In the context of Dissociative Identity Disorder, this term refers to the primary or dominant personality among multiple identities within an individual.

Primary Personalities

Fundamental traits or characteristics that form an individual's core personality attributes.

Fusion

The process of joining two or more entities together to form a single entity, or the blending of different elements.

Subpersonalities

Distinct, enduring aspects of a person's character, or in the context of psychology, aspects of personality that may become dissociated or semi-independent in response to stress.