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Why use C++? Why not C, ASM, or Java?

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I had a few other language choices that I was kicking around when planning this book. Although there are acolytes out there for Delphi, VB, and even C#, the only languages I seriously considered were C++, Java, and C. Java is designed by Sun Microsystems and an inherently object-oriented language, with some high-level language features like garbage collection. C is about as low level as programming gets without dipping into assembly. It has very few if any high-level constructs and doesn't abstract anything away from the programmer. C++ is an interesting language because it essentially sits directly between the functionality of the other two languages. C++ supports COM better than C does (this is more thoroughly discussed in Chapter 1). Also, class systems and operator overloading generally make code easier to read (although, of course, any good thing can and will be abused). Java, although very cool, is an interpreted language. Every year this seems to be less important: JIT...
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The nature of autonomy

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The nature of autonomy In the introduction I suggested that consent is predicated on autonomy. If one considers the role consent plays, which I will discuss in more detail in Chapter 4, the connection with autonomy seems apparent. It has not, however, gone unchallenged and I will address this later in the chapter.1 Starting with the etymological derivation of autonomy, which comes from the Greek and means self-rule, both senses of consent – as a waiver of a right and as a negotiated agreement – depend on the patient’s autonomy, at least in the sense of autonomy as self-determination. Consent raises issues of liberty, power, control and responsibility; all of which are also relevant to the importance of autonomy.2 Because of this connection, it is essential to explore autonomy in some detail. This will allow the attributes of consent to be given more substance, which is a necessary part of determining the moral and legal duties that consent imposes on the healthcare professional....
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The limits of autonomy

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If autonomy were to be seen as an absolute right to decide for oneself the consequence would be the risk of chaos with the vulnerable left to the mercy of the strong. Furthermore, if conceived as a right then it is logically impossible for it to be absolute. If A decided to exercise his or her autonomy by locking B inside a room this would interfere with B’s autonomy and B could not be said to have a right to autonomy unless A is restrained from exercising his or her right in this way. Thus, ignoring the problem of ability, any right to autonomy cannot be the freedom to do what one wants. That trite example suggests that any right to autonomy must be limited by having regard to the autonomy of others. It might be suggested that A has the right to do what he or she wants providing it does not prevent B from doing what he or she wants. This formulation, however, would be overly restrictive and would paralyse much of our life. It may be reasonable if resources were plentiful and...
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