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Outline by Don
Berkich, University of Texas, Corpus Christi
(by permission)
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The
Irrational Patient Argument:
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1
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Telling the truth to a
patient may cause the patient to become irrational and engage in
self-destructive behavior.
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2
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If telling the truth to a
patient may cause the patient to become irrational and engage in
self-destructive behavior, then it is morally permissible for
physicians to not tell the truth.
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Therefore
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3
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It is morally permissible for
physicians to not tell the truth.
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1&2
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The
Placebo Argument:
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1
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Placebos necessarily involve
deception.
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2
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Placebos are among the most
powerful agents in medicine.
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3
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If [1 and 2] then it is in
the best interests of the patient to not be told the truth.
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4
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If it is in the best
interests of the patient to not be told the truth then it is
morally permissible for physicians to not tell the truth.
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Therefore
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5
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If [1 and 2] then it is
morally permissible for physicians to not tell the truth.
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3&4
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Therefore
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6
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It is morally permissible for
physicians to not tell the truth.
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1,2 &5
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Proceed to the READINGS section of the chapter by clicking here>
section.
© Copyright Philip A. Pecorino 2002. All Rights
reserved.
Web Surfer's Caveat: These are class notes, intended
to comment on readings and amplify class discussion. They should be read
as such. They are not intended for publication or general distribution. |