Dax's Case: Essays in Medical Ethics and Human Meaning.

In the summer of 1973, Donald "Dax" Cowart was critically injured in a propane gas explosion that took his father's life and severely burned more than 65% of Dax's body. For more than a year, Dax underwent repeated surgical procedures and daily treatment of the most extraordinarily painful kind. He was left totally blind, permanently disfigured, and severely maimed. During his treatment and recovery Dax wanted and demanded that he be allowed to die.

Today, more than a decade later, Dax Cowart lives productively and in reasonable comfort. He is financially secure. A recent law school graduate, he has a small practice in his...