The Ethics of Uncertainty

This is the first book-length, empirically-informed philosophical treatment of disorders of consciousness. The book puts forward a compelling ethical approach focused on uncertainty, epistemic and ethical risk, and justice. Bioethicist L. Syd M Johnson rejects longstanding ethical dogmas about the significance of consciousness for moral standing and personhood, and provides a new approach to medical decision making in the presence of uncertainty. With applications to medical decisions and beyond, this ethical approach enables surrogate decision makers facing fraught and risky choices to fulfill their obligations as moral and epistemic agents.