BIO 205 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Normative Ethics, Applied Ethics, Meta-Ethics
18 Mar 2020
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Intro to bioethics: ethics: study of morality using the tools and methods of philosophy. Providing all info so patient can make the best decision (informative model) Physicians are legally obligated to provide all relevant info. Many exaggerate the harm done to patients by full disclosure, underestimate the benefits of truthfulness, and fail to recognize that misleading can also do damage. Data from survey suggests that most patients really prefer to be told the truth. Even if communicating the whole truth is impossible, physicians still have an obligation to try to convey the essential and relevant info; conveying the whole truth isn"t necessary. **must always respect people"s autonomy- their rational capacity for self- determination; full disclosure respects autonomy. Can be injurious, evoking in patients feels of panic, hopelessness, fear, and depression. Patients don"t want to know the truth, especially if prognosis is grim. If lack capacity may make decisions that are contrary to their best interests.
