PHLB09H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Paternalism, Disclose, Prima Facie
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Informed decision due to the truth being withheld from them. Obstacles to comprehending truth: anxiety, ignores, family history, refusal to know. Thesis: patient should be told truth to the extent that they can comprehend it" (146) Implications: given obstacles, comprehension level might dictate withholding truth. Question concerns consequence of withholding truth: for instance, whether the deception will be beneficial to the patient. Respect for patients, physicians and the truth , cullen & klein. Claim: deceiving patients justified if it serves b. Thesis: p with respect to tt almost always morally impermissible. Compare lying about vitamin deficiency: treats persons without respect. Why do owe persons respect: guide action with deliberation, not instinct, more worth than plants, animals, mustn"t interfere with this capacity. Lying to patient about lucrative but unnecessary procedure: disrespects patient a, meaningful choice, patient only believes consent is informed. Therefore, impermissible to deceive for physician"s benefit. Treatment unlikely to extend life: disclose? (dread, withhold? (hope)
