(Posted 10-13-00)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Service Contact: Natasha Ashe, 336-334-5371

UNCG PHILOPSOPHY PROFESSOR PUBLISHES BOOK ON INALIENABLE RIGHTS

GREENSBORO — "Inalienable Rights: The Limits of Consent in Medicine and Law", written by Dr. Terrence McConnell, a professor of philosophy at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was recently published by Oxford University Press.

In the book, McConnell provides an explanation of inalienable rights and how they restrict behavior of their possessors. While a number of philosophers express skepticism about the very concept of an inalienable right, "Inalienable Rights: The Limits of Consent in Medicine and Law" defends the coherence of the concept and argues that society should endorse the inalienability of some rights. Inalienable rights are rights that may not be justifiably infringed just because the possessor has consented.

Taking a cue from James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, McConnell contends the right of conscience is inalienable, and despite appearances; does not wreak havoc with the ideal of political obligations. He develops a compelling argument to support the inalienability of a competent person's right not to have medical treatment administered without consent. McConnell argues that the inalienability of the right to life does not preclude permitting voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide.

A UNCG faculty member since 1976, McConnell is a specialist in ethical theory and medical ethics, with an interest in social and political philosophy. He is the author of two other books, "Moral Issues in Health Care: An Introduction to Medical Ethics," and "Gratitude." McConnell served on the editorial board of Public Affairs Quarterly from 1987 to 1989, and is a former guest editor of the journal Philosophical Studies. A graduate of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, he received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Minnesota.

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