Background: Ethical analyses of disorders of consciousness traditionally focus on residual awareness. Going one
step further, this paper explores the potential ethical relevance of the unawareness retained by patients with
disorders of consciousness, focusing specifically on the ethical implications of the description of the unconscious
provided by recent scientific research.
Methods: A conceptual methodology is used, based on the review and analysis of relevant scientific literature on
the unconscious and the logical argumentation in favour of the ethical conclusions.
Results: Two conditions (experiential wellbeing and having interests) that are generally considered critical
components in the ethical discussion of patients with disorders of consciousness might arguably be both conscious
and unconscious.
Conclusions: The unconscious, as well as consciousness, should be taken into account in the ethical discussions of
patients with disorders of consciousness.

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• The ethical relevance of the unconscious