End of life: it's up for discussion!

The end of life is a sensitive issue, one that questions what connects human beings and what gives meaning to a life. Why is end-of-life care at the heart of the news today, influencing the law towards assisted dying? What does this debate reveal about our times? Contemporary thinking seems to focus more on the conditions of death, emphasizing the interdependence between life and death.

Notions such as freedom, dignity, autonomy and patient choice take center stage in discussions around the bill. Yet doesn't supporting the decision to end one's life run the risk of depriving the individual of the possibility of evolving?

This debate also addresses the function of the law in the face of unconscious death wishes and the consequences for society. The end of life involves eminently singular experiences, in which connection with others and dialogue are essential. Beyond the fear of suffering, there persists the universal fear of the end of the relationship.

How can we help people live to the end, when illness, dependency or vulnerability seem to take the meaning out of life? This debate explores these major ethical questions and highlights the importance of local care, at home and in outreach services.

With:

• Caroline DOUCET: Psychoanalyst, MCF-HDR, Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis
• Sara PIAZZA: Psychologist at the Centre de Hospitalier de Saint-Denis (Equipe Mobile de Soins Palliatifs), and President of the Local Ethics Committee
• Amaury DELARGE: Intensive care and palliative care physician at Centre de Hospitalier de Saint-Denis
• Camille BOURDAIRE-MIGNOT: Lecturer in private law and criminal sciences at Université Paris Nanterre (UFR DSP)
• Tatiana GRÜNDLER: Lecturer in public law at Paris Nanterre University (CTAD CREDOF UMR 7074 team)

This round table is a session of the "Deuil et mélancolie" course and the "Éthique et sinthome" research seminar at the Université Parie 8 Vincennes - Saint-Denis, labeled festival Printemps des Humanités.

More information:
https://www.printempsdeshumanites.fr/fr/edition-2025-universels/jeudi-2…