Study Guide

1. How would the medical model of disability approach the question of cochlear implantation? How would the social model of disability approach the question of cochlear implantation?

2. Which of the arguments made by those who are against cochlear implantation of the young seems strongest to you? Do you think Tucker is able to successfully overcome this objection? Explain.

3. Which of the arguments in favor of granting elective amputations seems the strongest to you, and why? Do you think the practice ought to be permitted for this reason? Why or why not?

4. Imagine the following three cases: a) Martin, who was normally pretty friendly and sociable, becomes highly irritable and angry as the result of a difficult relationship and dissatisfaction with his job, b) Martin, who was normally pretty friendly and sociable, becomes highly irritable and angry as the result of developing Alzheimer's, c) Martin, who was normally pretty friendly and sociable, becomes highly irritable and angry as the result of a traumatic brain injury. In which of these cases, if any, would you consider Martin to still be Martin? Explain.

5. Imagine the following three cases: a) Marina after psychotherapy, b) Marina after Prozac, and c) Marina after a traumatic brain injury. In which of these cases, if any, would you consider Marina to still be Marina? Explain.