PHILOS 2D03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Paternalism

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHILOS 2D03
• Professor: Matt Grellette

Document Summary

Assume that the physician can know what is best for the patient. Assu(cid:373)es that the patie(cid:374)t"s role is to asse(cid:374)t to the physi(cid:272)ia(cid:374)"s judg(cid:373)e(cid:374)t. Assumes that the physician should act as the patients guardian. Assumes that their role is simply to make the patient healthy, regardless of patient preferences. Assumes that the patient can independently know what is best for them. Assumes that the patients role is to make their own health care choices. Assumes that the physician should act as a technician or medical operator only. Assumes that their role is simply to provide the patient with information and implement their choices. It presumes that the patient can independently know and determine what is best for them and their medical treatment. In this approach the doctor shows the patient the best perspective on their medical choices but gives them the options and knowledge to do so. The patient is capable of making their own choices.