Study Questions for Dax's Case

1. This case has several characters who have views about whether Dax should or should not continue treatment. Briefly outline and evaluate the views of:
   • Dax's attorney, Rex Houston
   • Dax's mother, Mrs. Cowart
   • the burn unit doctor
   • the psychiatrist, Dr. White
   • the plastic surgeon who wants to reconstruct Dax's hands
   • the physical rehabilitation doctor

2. Dax's "real" name is Donald R. Cowart. Various characters in the case call him by different names. What are those names? Do you see any significance in the different names?

3. Some commentators have suggested that this case is really about our response to evil and suffering, i.e., why is there suffering in the world and how should we respond to it? Take one or two of the characters (not Dax) and give what you think their views are about this issue.

4. Dr. White, the psychiatrist, and the physical rehabilitation doctor say that their views about medicine have been challenged by working with Dax's case. What do they mean by this?

5. What are Dax's own views about his problems and how do you interpret his final remarks? Is this a case of informed refusal? Is this a case of physician assisted suicide? What values are basic for Dax?

6. Some commentators have suggested that this case is really about control (e.g., controlling what happens to one's self) and about quality of life. Do these play a role in your thinking about this case?

7. This video is produced by a group, Concern for Dying, whose goal is to promote the right of patients to refuse reatment. Is this a piece of propaganda for that point of view?