Moral Issues of Paternalism and Truth-Telling free essay sample

The word calls to mind the image of a father who makes decisions for his children rather than letting them make their own decisions, on the grounds that father knows best. The principle of paternalism underlies a wide range of laws, practices, and actions? physician who decides what is best for a patient, a sign prohibiting swimming without a lifeguard on duty, laws against voluntary euthanasia, laws restricting the use of heroine, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs, compulsory retirement savings plans, and mandatory seat belt laws. All designed to protect our interests, whether we like it or not. Paternalism is widely regarded as being restrictive to the liberty and autonomy of individuals, and for this reason it is often opposed. While paternalistic practices are relatively common, are they morally acceptable? Paternalism involves a conflict of two important values: 1) the value we place on the freedom of persons to make their own choices about how they will lead their lives, and 2) the value we place on promoting and protecting the well being of others. We will write a custom essay sample on Moral Issues of Paternalism and Truth-Telling or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When people freely choose to act in ways that seem contrary to their own well being, the question of whether we are justified in interfering with their affairs, the problem of paternalism arises. Although it is not in their nature, paternalistic systems must realize that their goals are best achieved by persuasion rather than force. Harding must realize that it needs to teach students how to reason as independent moral actors, rather than just as obedient rule-followers. The paternalistic rules, by their very existence, undermine the ability of the individual to develop a personal moral compass that can be used as a guide beyond the confines of this institution. I have once read,† . . . he only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right. The only part of the conduct of anyone, for which he is amenable to soc iety, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is of right, absolute, over himself. Over his own body-mind, the individual is sovereign. â€Å" For me, freedom is essential for the development of each persons individuality, the attainment of truth, and the development of new and more enriching lifestyles. It is, therefore, a most fundamental social value. Persons must be left free to make their own choices about how they will lead their lives, even if these choices are considered reckless, stupid, or otherwise bad choices by others. Moreover, the ability to make choices that promote our well-being is a capacity one acquires and improves only through practice. Also, for me, individuals are the best judges of their own interests and so should be left free to pursue them. Truth-Telling The question now is not whether to tell the truth, but how to tell it in a sensitive and supportive manner that does not create unnecessary despair and that, as far as possible, maintains hope But, on the other hand, Truth telling allows the person with the diagnosis to plan for optimal life experiences in remaining years of intact capacities, prepare a durable power of attorney for health care decisions—some may also prepare a living will—to be implemented upon eventual incompetence For me, the right thing to do is to place a great emphasis on informing the patient of the diagnosis, especially when cancer is the diagnosis. So to use the principle of informed consent takes precedence over other ethical values, and patients are usually at least asked whether they want to know the diagnosis.