Comment by sillyfluke

Comment by sillyfluke 3 days ago

4 replies

Yes, there is a danger of that in general. I think someone made a movie in Japan about the subject, specifically because there is a culture of the elderly not wanting "to be a burden on the younger generation." Some said it hit closer to reality than science fiction because of that specific cultural characteristic in Japan. It also supports Kahnemen's position of pulling the plug when "the going is good" from a ethical point of view, since it leaves no doubt of intention.

netsharc 3 days ago

This was also mentioned in the debate about euthanasia in the UK; that it could lead to pressuring elderly relatives to off themselves. I can imagine the pressure might not even be explicit, it could be implied, and maybe not even consciously, but through behavior.

Like a more subtle form of Shakespeare's "Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?".

  • ipaddr 3 days ago
    • rolandog 2 days ago

      Interesting article. I personally side with the opponents in this regard:

      > But opponents argue it's being used as a cheaper alternative to providing adequate social or medical support.

      I personally think that all attempts should be made to provide homeless and sick people with treatments, and they shouldn't be pushed in that direction if they do not want it.

      If we do not have the capacity to do so, then my view is that we are failing as a society to provide adequate care for all in their time of need.

      If a country is able to build dozens of city-sized data centers, then it is clearly choosing not to treat and house a certain part of their population.