Rational Decision-Making Theory Paper

Sexuality is an experience and identity integral to human nature itself, and the environment in which someone is surrounded. An illness affecting a patient’s sexuality causes a major loss of autonomy and affects all facets of autonomy. Autonomy can be further defined by the way decisions are made, and this paper will examine two different kinds of decision-making autonomy. The first is rational decision-making theory, which argues autonomy is only fully utilized by independent decisions. The second is relational autonomy theory, which criticizes rational-decision making as being ignorant of the social embedment of human nature. Examination of sexual depictions in society, sexual resources and ability to communicate will demonstrate the integral nature of sexuality and environment. This paper will argue that treatment of chronic sexual illness relies heavily on autonomy as related to worldly experiences, and societal perception of this illness.

First, it is important to understand the confusion and loss of autonomy that a patient experiences when their

An independent self is capable of making her own choices, according to free will, personal values, and self-monitoring. A unitary self makes these choices, and puts them into action through her own autonomy, independent of the environment. 1-meyers Critics of this theory argue that decisions will often not be in the best interest of the decision-maker. For example, a cancer patient may have two options for treatment: an experimental drug more tailored to their illness or a broad-reaching safer cancer treatment. A patient may choose the experimental drug, but finds the side effects too much to bear. Rational decision-making can cause regret, as they were the only autonomous figure making this decision, and will experience the consequences. Use of this theory argues that autonomy is only fully utilized when decision-making is independent of