Daniel Callahan

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Daniel Callahan (July 19, 1930 – July 16, 2019) was an American philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of bioethics. He was a co-founder of The Hastings Center, an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit bioethics research institute.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Daniel Callahan was born in Washington, D.C. He earned his bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1952, followed by a master's degree from Georgetown University in 1956. He later received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Harvard University in 1965.

Career[edit | edit source]

Callahan began his career as a writer and editor. He worked for the magazine Commonweal and later served as the executive editor of Psychiatry. In 1969, he co-founded The Hastings Center with Willard Gaylin, where he served as its president from 1969 to 1983 and then as its director of international programs.

Contributions to Bioethics[edit | edit source]

Callahan's work in bioethics focused on issues such as end-of-life care, health care policy, and the ethical implications of medical technology. He was a proponent of the idea that there should be limits to medical intervention, especially in the context of aging and terminal illness. His book Setting Limits: Medical Goals in an Aging Society (1987) sparked widespread debate and discussion.

Publications[edit | edit source]

Daniel Callahan authored or edited over 47 books and numerous articles. Some of his notable works include:

  • Setting Limits: Medical Goals in an Aging Society (1987)
  • What Price Better Health? Hazards of the Research Imperative (2003)
  • Taming the Beloved Beast: How Medical Technology Costs Are Destroying Our Health Care System (2009)

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

Throughout his career, Callahan received numerous awards and honors, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the Lasker Award for Public Service. He was also a member of the Institute of Medicine.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Daniel Callahan was married to Sidney D. Callahan, a psychologist and author. They had six children together.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Callahan's work has had a lasting impact on the field of bioethics, influencing both policy and public discourse. The Hastings Center continues to be a leading institution in bioethics research and education.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD