It is concluded that medical paternalism is justified only when utilitarian considerations apply and when they do not violate personal rights .
Can paternalism be justified?
Most people would agree that paternalism is justified when dealing with a person whose freedom of choice is seriously impaired or limited , be it due to coercion, a person’s limited cognitive capacities, ignorance of the facts, the effects of a disease such as Alzheimer’s, or the influence of drugs.
When should paternalism be used?
Paternalism—choosing a course of action in the patient’s best interest but without the patient’s consent—serves as an integral value in ethical decision making , both as a balance to other values and as an ethical obligation to neither withhold guidance nor abdicate professional responsibility to patients [12, 16, 17].
Is paternalism justified by consent or by benefit?
Paternalism means, roughly, benevolent interference – benevolent because it aims at promoting or protecting a person’s good, and interference because it restricts a person’s liberty without his consent .
Why is medical paternalism wrong?
According to the dominant view, paternalism is wrong when it interferes with a person’s autonomy . For example, suppose that I throw away your cream cakes because I believe that eating them is bad for your health. This paternalistic action is wrong when it interferes with your autonomous decision to eat cream cakes.
What is the principle of paternalism?
Paternalism is the interference with the liberty or autonomy of another person , with the intent of promoting good or preventing harm to that person. Examples of paternalism in everyday life are laws which require seat belts, wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle, and banning certain drugs.
What are the types of paternalism?
In establishing the basic theoretical framework of paternalism based on the conditions and justifications for restricting freedom and autonomy, Dworkin differentiated among various types of paternalism as hard or soft, broad or narrow, weak or strong, pure or impure, and moral or welfare .
What is an example of medical paternalism?
In a healthcare context “paternalism” occurs when a physician or other healthcare professional makes decisions for a patient without the explicit consent of the patient . ... When the government requires seatbelt use or motorcycle operator helmet use, it acts in a paternalistic way.
What is an example of weak paternalism?
“Weak paternalism” (overriding the autonomy of someone who is NOT really autonomous) is much less controversial; for instance, detaining or treating severely psychotic, mentally retarded, or extremely addicted individuals .
Who is an example of a paternalistic leader?
Paternalistic executive leaders may view employees as important stakeholders . As such, they may prioritize employee needs over the interests of investors. For example, a firm that offers employment for life and goes to great lengths to avoid layoffs when a business unit is unprofitable.
Is informed consent required?
Informed consent is mandatory for all clinical trials involving human beings . ... Valid informed consent for research must include three major elements: (1) disclosure of information, (2) competency of the patient (or surrogate) to make a decision, and (3) voluntary nature of the decision.
Who is a paternalistic leader?
Paternalistic leadership is a managerial approach that involves a dominant authority figure who acts as a patriarch or matriarch and treats employees and partners as though they are members of a large, extended family. In exchange, the leader expects loyalty and trust from employees, as well as obedience.
What is the opposite of paternalism?
Opposite of having a caring or kindly nature. selfish . uncaring . thoughtless . inconsiderate .
What is the problem of paternalism?
The issue of paternalism arises with respect to restrictions by the law such as anti-drug legislation, the compulsory wearing of seatbelts, and in medical contexts by the withholding of relevant information concerning a patient’s condition by physicians.
What is paternalism in mental health care?
Paternalism; 1) promoting and restoring the health of the patient , 2) providing good care and 3) assuming responsibility. Autonomy; 1) respecting the patient’s right to self-determination and information, 2) respecting the patient’s integrity and 3) protecting human rights.
What is paternalism in public health?
This is what is known as “hard paternalism”— when a government places laws between the citizen and his poor choices . ... This is the function of “soft paternalism”—to make sure that an individual’s choices are fully informed, so that they can be fully voluntary.
