PHIL 136 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Paternalism
Document Summary
Autonomy - refers to a person"s rational capacity for self-governance or self-determination. Autonomous persons should be allowed to exercise their capacity for self-determination. In the name of autonomy principle, medicine has developed the doctrine of informed consent and has devised countless procedures and guidelines to ensure that the principle is honored in the details. Can be physical or psychological, obvious or subtle, justified or unjustified and generally accepted or widely controversial. Paternalism- the overriding of a person"s actions or decision-making for their own good. Physically restraining a patient violates their autonomy. Weak paternalism- refers to paternalism directed at persons who cannot act autonomously or. Not usually considered an objectionable violation of autonomy because patients are whose autonomy is greatly diminished. already substantially nonautonomous to some degree. Purpose is to protect people from harm while they are in fact nonautonomous or to.
