ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the distinction between clinical death and biological death. It argues that scepticism regarding the moment of death arises out of a failure to appreciate the forementioned distinction. Scepticism regarding the event of death is often attributable to a failure to articulate clearly which concept of death is being employed in a given discussion or proposal. Biological death, on the other hand, involves the irreversible loss of function of all the body’s organs. Despite the possible divergence of scientific opinion with regard to the fact of death, it is important to maintain a distinction between scientific and ethical questions. Scepticism regarding the moment of death has policy consequences which run counter to pressing medical, social, legal and religious needs, such as making decisions regarding the withdrawal of ventilation, announcing burial and mourning times, interpreting of wills, etc.
