Compare And Contrast Goldman's Arguments Against Medical Paternalism

Most people have probably heard the phrase “what works for one person may not work for another.” It turns out that this also applies to preferences in medical care. Because of the advancements in medical ethics, patient care is no longer strictly based on a doctor’s directive. Goldman, a proponent of patient autonomy asserts that medical paternalism is never warranted by setting out two arguments against medical paternalism. The first argument he sets forth is empirical, the other, moral. While Goldman’s stance on the refutation of medical paternalism is strong from a moral standpoint it is not so much on secure on empirical grounds. To understand this further, it is necessary to clarify the two positions Goldman has presented on his refutation

“ Personal autonomy over important decisions in one’s life, the ability to attempt to realize one’s own value ordering, is indeed so important that normally no amount of other goods pleasures or avoidance of personal evils can take precedence.” The ultimate goal here is for the patient to remain autonomous. Contrary to what physicians thought of patients in the past, most patients today do want to know the status of their health, and can use this information to live their lives in a way that is the most meaningful to them. Withholding such information not only prohibits a patient from making fully informed healthcare decisions but it also violates the patient’s rights. In short, there is no way of ever knowing a person’s value scale, or what gives them reason to live the way they choose to. Although it can be argued that disclosure of certain information being given to a patient regarding health could induce anxiety or uncertainty. In the end, it is their right to know about the information because it is a necessary element that is required to make decisions regarding their healthcare. On that note, there are various other situations in life that can produce the same feelings mentioned before, regardless, as humans we tend to take chances with everything we do without ever fully knowing the results until we are faced with them. Autonomy is a fundamental right that allows us to make these decisions for ourselves. Without it, we are powerless to make decisions for