A Good Death

· Is there such a thing as a good death?
· Should we be able to choose how we wish to die?
· What are the ethical considerations that surround a good death?

The notion of a ‘good death’ plays an important role in modern palliative care and remains a topic for lively debate. Using philosophical methods and theories, this book provides a critical analysis of Western notions surrounding the dying process in the palliative care context. Sandman highlights how our changing ideas about the value of life inevitably shape the concept of a good death. He explores the varying perspectives on the good death that come from friends, family, physicians, spiritual carers and others close to the dying person. Setting out a number of arguments for and against existing thinking about a good death, this book links to the practice of palliative care in several key areas including:

· An exploration of the universal features of dying
· The process of facing death
· Preparation for death
· The environment of dying and death

The author concludes that it is difficult to find convincing reasons for any one way to die a good death and argues for a pluralist approach.

A Good Death is essential reading for students and professionals with an interest in palliative care and end-of-life issues.

Lars Sandman is Senior Lecturer in Ethics and Philosophy in the School of Health Sciences, University College of Boras, Sweden and Scientific Officer at the Regional Research Ethics Board, Gothenburg, Sweden. His research interests are currently focused around the ethics and philosophy of palliative care, palliative care in the home and the implementation of palliative care programmes.