The ethical dilemma of deathbed wishes - Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez

2025-05-22

[public] 43.7K views, 5.01K likes, dislikes audio only

Puzzle through an ethical dilemma and decide: what responsibility do we have to honor the wishes of the dead?

For decades, Yvonne and Zaina have been happily married and co-leading a non-profit. One day the couple is involved in a car accident, and on her deathbed, Yvonne asks Zaina to promise her two things. First, to continue financially supporting their non-profit. And second, to never remarry. Should Zaina be beholden to these promises? Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez explore this ethical dilemma.

Lesson by Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez, directed by Prashanti Aswani.

This video made possible in collaboration with the Parr Center for Ethics

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View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-ethical-dilemma-of-deathbed-wishes-sarah-stroud-and-michael-vazquez

Dig deeper with additional resources: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-ethical-dilemma-of-deathbed-wishes-sarah-stroud-and-michael-vazquez/digdeeper

Animator's website: https://www.prashantiaswani.com

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