PHL 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Paternalism, Jargon, Glossary Of Tennis Terms

• School: Tunxis Community College
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHL 111
• Professor: Minor

Document Summary

It is difficult to convey technical jargon to the lay person in a way they would actually and fully understand. Doctors also do not have a complete knowledge of maladies, treatments and effects, so it is permissible to intentionally withhold and/or vaguely convey all such information to patients. While it may be difficult to convey some technical information to the uninitiated, it is not impossible (e. g. via analogy, simpler terms, visual aids, etc. ). Doctor"s are not required to have complete" knowledge and should simply be honest about the extent of their knowledge. Doctors should convey all of the necessary information to their patients in a way that permits patients to participate in their treatment. In the interest of preserving emotional well-being, and preventing harm, particularly upsetting or distressing news should be either entirely withheld or superficially conveyed. It is not in keeping with the duties of beneficence or non-maleficence to make decisions for another that directly concern their well-being.