PHLB09H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Disclose, Omnipotence, Counterclaim
Document Summary
Thesis: patients should be told truth to the extent that they can comprehend it (146) Given obstacles, comprehension level might dictate withholding truth. Supporting reasons: doctors can ascertain preference/need, placebos aren"t deceptive, offer psychological support, question concerns consequences of withholding truth, total tt is practical impossibility (147) Respect for patients, physicians and the truth , cullen and klein. Claim: deceiving patients justified if it serves b. Thesis: p with respect to tt almost morally impermissible. Lying to patient about lucrative but unnecessary procedure. Physician tells terminally ill patient radiation may help; she dies soon after. But otherwise, physician can"t decide what to withhold: Or adjust life plants (e. g. , embryo screening for hd) Respect for a and b extends to others. E. g. , family history of hd; patient diagnosed; plans to have children. Understanding reveals nature of illness and treatment. Claim: deception may be necessary for recovery, hence for a. Deception justified if gain probable and significant but this just isn"t common.
