I don't know. It is a good thought experiment. I don't think I would let them go, because I feel that could be considered murder (please, I don't want a huge discussion on this).

For myself, I think I would like to be brought back. The time spent in the fantasy world would be enough for me.

Well , one doctor once sais "some dont want to wake up" when asked about person in coma , we don't know fully mechanic of dreams and coma , we know how it works but that dont means we fully understand it , our mind is a mystery and personally im not sure what i would want personally even if i was in coma , its still big controversy and its really hard to say what would be better for that person , its very extreme situation

I'm going to reply to this when I get home. Please respond to my comment so I cannot forget?

Done!

I would argue that one would need more information in order to accurately make a decision, namely: What were the circumstances under which they were put into the coma? Was it an accident, Overdose, etc.? Besides just being in a coma, are they completely normal otherwise? Eg, no maladies or injuries or anything? My answer is conditional, and each will be based upon the two questions above.

1. If the coma was induced via a tragic accident, I would examine the extent to which the accident affected their lives; if they're paraplegic and live with pain, I would advise against ever removing them from the coma, allowing them to live their lives in the coma and die happy; Should they live with mild/occasional pain, then I would consider pulling them free from the coma, given their relationships with their family. Should their family be very close and the coma-ee be very active in the family, it would be reasonable to have him/her rejoin the world since they would be happy in reality as well. Unloved or Miserly, I would suggest allowing them to remain in the fantasy until they waste away, making it easier on both him and the family.

2. That being said, I must say that pulling the plug is hardly an option for me; I've had to see that decision made for both of my grandmothers, and I really would not advise that option either way UNLESS his injuries were so severe that death was imminent no matter what happened. Eg, he jsut can't be saved.

Not quite as deep as I had imagined, but.... it's still thoughtful

The circumstance in which they were put in does not matter - It's assumed they have just been put into one. Otherwise, they are a completely healthy, normal person of varying age.

then on a whim, I would say "what the hell?" I mean, if it doesn't matter either way, why not let him be free from the pain of living?

Well you're determining the rest of their life, so I'd assume it does matter!

I suppose that you could argue that it would matter, but assuming that they've a neutral relationship with everyone and everything around them, it would not make sense to kill them; and since the circumstances do not matter (eg, present location, how it happened, etc.), one would assume there are very few repercussions either way, including financial ones. That being said, I say why not leave him to rot as a veggie in his alternate reality?

Well as I stated, said person also has family and friends, plus a job and other such stuff. Stuff that make most people average - And stuff that could be considered life value. :P

But then you'd have to look at his current situation. Does he *need* those things to continue living, or are they merely accessories to the reality in which he's in a coma? I'd say leave him in the coma, despite the selfish feelings his family may have.

It's all very circumstantial, it would really depend on a lot of things.