Analyse non-religious responses to moral issues arising from beating heart donation. - Scottish Highers Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies - Question 19 - 2023

Beating heart donation raises significant moral issues that can be examined from various non-religious perspectives. One of the primary arguments against it is the ethical concern regarding consent and autonomy. Critics argue that individuals may not fully understand the implications of expressing their wishes to donate organs while alive, leading to questions about the validity of their consent.

Additionally, there are concerns about the definition of death and the criteria used to determine when a person is legally dead, which can complicate the moral landscape. For example, some may argue that if a person's heart is still beating, they should be considered alive, hence raising issues about the morality of harvesting organs under such conditions.

Furthermore, utilitarian perspectives may come into play, weighing the benefits of saving lives against the moral cost of potentially sacrificing one person for the benefit of others. It is crucial to also consider the societal implications, such as the potential for coercion or undue pressure on families to consent to donation, which can lead to ethical dilemmas in decision-making processes.

Overall, non-religious responses to this issue often revolve around concepts of autonomy, consent, the definition of life and death, and the broader societal impacts of organ donation practices.