PHI 2396 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Counterargument

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHI 2396
• Professor: Iain Mc Kenna

Document Summary

Argument against full disclosure--truth-telling can be injurious, evoking in patients feelings of panic, hopelessness, fear, and depression. Counterargument-- many exaggerate the harm done to patients by full disclosure, underestimate the beneficial effects of truthfulness, and fail to recognize that misleading or lying to patients can also do damage. Argument against full disclosure-- patients do not want to know the truth, especially if the prognosis is grim. Counterargument-- data from surveys suggest that most patients really do prefer to be told the truth about their diagnosis. Argument against full disclosure-- physicians have no duty to tell patients the truth because patients are incapable of understanding it. Counterargument--(1) even if communicating the whole truth is impossible, physicians still have an obligation to try to convey to patients the essential and relevant information; (2) conveying the whole truth and nothing but the truth is unnecessary. We must always respect people"s autonomy their rational capacity for self- determination.