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A Good Death

Andrew Marr discusses mortality and longevity with surgeon Atul Gawande, novelist and editor Diana Athill, medical ethicist Prof Deborah Bowman and historian Dr Carl Watkins.

Do we value longevity more than quality of life, towards our final years? That's the discussion Andrew Marr's having with surgeon Atul Gawande, who's giving this year's Reith Lectures. Joining them in the studio are the legendary editor, novelist and memoirist Diana Athill, who has recently written about her attitude to death and the process of dying; Professor Deborah Bowman who advises on the ethics of medical care, including whether to prolong life when death is imminent; and Dr Carl Watkins, who has examined the idea of "a good death" from Medieval times until now.

Atul Gawande's Reith lectures start on Radio 4 on Tuesday 25th November at 9am and are also broadcast on Â鶹ÊÓƵAV World Service.

Producer: Simon Tillotson.

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43 minutes

Last on

Mon 10 Nov 2014 21:30
Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Radio 4

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Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande is a surgeon, writer and public health researcher.

Being Mortal:  Illness, Medicine, and What Matters in the End is published by Profile Books in association with Wellcome Collection.

The Reith Lectures, entitled ‘The Future of Medicine’, start on Radio 4 on Tuesday 25 November at 9.00am and are also broadcast on Â鶹ÊÓƵAV World Service.

Diana Athill

Diana Athill is a literary editor, novelist and memoirist.

Deborah Bowman

Deborah Bowman is Professor of Bioethics, Clinical Ethics and Medical Law at St. George's, University of London.

Carl Watkins

Carl Watkins is Senior Lecturer in Central Medieval History, University of Cambridge.

The Undiscovered Country: Journeys Among the Dead is published by Vintage.

Credits

Presenter Andrew Marr
Interviewed Guest Atul Gawande
Interviewed Guest Diana Athill
Interviewed Guest Deborah Bowman
Interviewed Guest Carl Watkins
Producer Simon Tillotson

Broadcasts

  • Mon 10 Nov 2014 09:00
    Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Radio 4
  • Mon 10 Nov 2014 21:30
    Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Radio 4

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