In view of the above described complexity of the concept of suffering, it is not surprising that the most debated requirement for due care is that the physician has to be convinced that the suffering of the patient is unbearable.
In his brief statement, Mr Brahimi told the assembly in New York that the situation in Syria was deteriorating, and that "the suffering of the people is immense".
At the same time, her training has taught her that pain "does not discriminate on the basis of religion or race," and that the suffering of her patients is no less real than the suffering of the Serbs.
"That the suffering of children with mental health issues (and their parents) is very real.
"They know exactly that, the suffering of the Palestinian people, he causes it," he said.
Other doctors held that the suffering of hypochondriacs must be "all in their heads".
We thought that the suffering of the few should give way to the collective sacrifice of the many".
Some even argued that the suffering of animals killed for food was proof of their sinful nature.
In the late 18th century the utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham asserted that the suffering of animals, like the suffering of humans, was worthy of moral consideration, and he regarded cruelty to animals as analogous to racism.
Now the majority of its members believe, as Ballard does, that "the suffering of an animal chased and torn apart is indisputable," whereas the suffering of an animal stalked on foot and killed with a clean shot is minimal.
