PLEASE READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY BELOW:
Instructors Discussion Instructions:
These comments are meant to be a critical, philosophical engagement with the assigned material for that week. At the end of each weekly video/reading, I will help guide this discussion by presenting various scenarios/problems for you to engage with. You do not have to discuss all the problems presented, and I encourage you to narrow your discussion to a fine point dealing with only one particular problem.
*He would also like the textbook cited and video.*
Video on assignment here:
This week we are discussing Truth, Lies, and Deceptions
Textbook used:
Martin, Clancy, Wayne Vaught and Robert C. Solomon, eds. Ethics Across the Professions: A Reader for
Professional Ethics Second Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.
This is the “chapter” we have this week and pages:
Robert C. Solomon “Is It Ever Right to Lie?”
pp. 180-183
Sissela Bok “Lying and Lies to the Sick and Dying”
pp. 200-210
Joseph Collins “Should Doctors Tell the Truth”
pp. 211-216
*I doubt that there is a PDF version any where, but I will insert some pictures*
Professor Feedback from last week:
*The professor mentioned being more explicit in the writing. He feels it is not straight to the point.*
“This was done well. You more clearly outlined what you intended to do and offered a critical insight into the question at hand.
Your argument was acceptable. While your position was clear, you need to make your reasoning more explicit. Don’t be afraid to ensure the reader can follow all the premises that lead you to your conclusion.
Be certain to engage with your peers in a critical manner. Simply restating positions or stating that you agree with your colleagues is inadequate. Moving forward, do you best to further an argument with a critical analysis of the topic explored.
This was good. You’re hinting at some excellent points that really advance the discussion of the class. That said, attempt to see them through to the end to ensure your positions are adequately supported. I look forward to seeing how you improve even more.”
Please respond to my classmates:
Classmate 1:
Delivering bad news to a patient is one of the most challenging aspects of healthcare, yet it is essential for promoting patient well-being. A healthcare provider’s duty to tell the truth, even when it is difficult, is rooted in respect for patient autonomy and the ethical principle of beneficence, as discussed by Martin et al., 2017.
Consider the case of a patient diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer. The initial reaction might be to soften the blow or withhold some details to avoid causing distress. However, honest communication can significantly impact the patient’s well-being. For example, a healthcare provider informing a patient about the severity of their condition and the realistic outcomes of treatment options can empower the patient to make informed decisions about their care. This honest dialogue respects the patient’s autonomy and fosters trust between the patient and the healthcare provider.
I remember a specific case where a healthcare provider had to inform a patient that their cancer was terminal and that aggressive treatment would likely do more harm than good. The provider chose to speak the hard truth. While the conversation was undeniably difficult, it ultimately promoted the patient’s well-being. The patient, upon receiving the honest prognosis, opted for palliative care, which prioritized quality of life and pain management. This decision allowed the patient to spend their remaining time more comfortably and meaningfully with loved ones rather than enduring the harsh side effects of futile treatments.
The healthcare provider’s commitment to truth-telling exemplifies how difficult conversations, when handled with compassion and clarity, can lead to better patient outcomes. By aligning their practice with ethical principles, healthcare providers can ensure that their patients are well-informed and able to make choices that best align with their values and preferences.
This care underscores the importance of honesty in medical ethics. As Martin et al. (2017) articulate, the duty to truth-telling not only upholds the integrity of the medical profession but also fundamentally respects the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own care.
Reference:
Martin, Clancy W., et al. (2017). Ethics Across the Professions: A Reader for Professional Ethics. Oxford University Press.
Classmate 2:
This week’s topic has been the easiest, for me at least, so far. A doctor should never lie to a patient, regardless of whether it is to a dying patient, a donor, or a patient who has many health issues. As stated in the text, telling the truth upholds the integrity of the medical field but also respects the patient’s right to make informed decisions.
So, should a doctor lie to a donor to ensure they donate? Absolutely not. While it is understandable that the doctor does not want a patient to suffer due to the lack of a donation, lying is not the way to go about it. The donor should be well-informed about the aftercare, side effects, recovery time, and long-term effects of a donation. Lying to the donor about all these issues could affect not only the patient in need of the donation but also the donor. The donor could fall ill later in life but has no idea that the donation is what caused this issue. This could lead them to seek professional advice and go down the wrong avenues for care because they believe the issues are unrelated. These actions could also persuade the donor to make a rash decision by not thoroughly thinking it through due to the lack of information that they are receiving. These consequences would also fall onto the medical professional or the medical practice through lawsuits and/or the lack of donations in the future.
Martin, Clancy W., et al. (2017). Ethics Across the Professions: A Reader for Professional Ethics. Oxford University Press.
