PHI 2396 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Moral Agency, Dementia, Paternalism

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHI 2396
• Professor: Dean Lauer

Document Summary

Upholds the principles of beneficence when the individuals are actually non-autonomous brain damaged, dementia, etc. Sometimes it is reasonable to help a person by violating her/his autonomy, i. e. , scott starson. Saving a person from suicide, wherein the victim is unable (apparently) to reason properly. Respects the individual as one who can understand and assimilate medical information and make responsible choices with that information. Overrides the strictly paternalist model as it demands that the patient (or surrogate) approve or consent to treatment or withdrawal of treatment. Ideologically fits with the western/enlightenment belief that the self is independent, detached, isolated and unencumbered by the world of engagements. Aristotle (rational being), also said we are the social being. Much of society cannot give informed consent because of a lack of autonomy. Youth, some mentally handicapped, diseased, severely shy. Autonomy appears best represented on a continuum. Not black and white but mostly gray.