Biomedical Ethics: Formula of Ends and the Principle of Utility

A doctor vows to save lives and to value the welfare of his patients. However, there are some instances for which the latter duty was compromised to fulfill the former obligation, as in the case of Dax Cowart. Cowart wanted to end his life, as he suffered second and third degree burns on over two-thirds of his body as a result of a gas explosion (Kopelman, 2004). But instead, he was “killed with kindness” (Burt, 1998)—he was forced to endure excruciating treatments and procedures for ten months. Even though Cowart had fully recovered, his case showed ethical dilemmas particularly on his own right to decide for himself. For further understanding of biomedical ethics, this paper aims to apply Kant’s Formula of Ends and Mill’s Principle of Utility to the case of Dax Cowart.
Kant’s Formula of Ends states this: “Treat human, whether your own self or the others, not only as means but also as ends always (O’Neill, n.d.).” This means that no one should deceive an individual on getting treatments regardless of their good intentions. Therefore, the patient has a right to be fully informed in all aspects of medical decision making. Moreover, the patient has a right to refuse unwanted and even recommended and life-saving medical care. Patient’s autonomy should be upheld (Munson, 2008).
Nevertheless, Kant’s ethical principle was not observed in Cowart’s case. The amputation of his fingers, removal of his eye and other forms of treatment were done to him without his consent. He tried to seek legal help but he was trapped inside the hospital walls. His family and his health care providers controlled his life then, despite of his mental competence. Cowart’s primary reason to end his life was the extreme pain that he felt. However, this was not seen by the people around him and he was pushed to continue treatments, without resolving his pain, which was already possible during that time (Burt, 1998). Despite that the ends turned out well for Cowart, his case clearly illustrated that Cowart was treated only as a means where he was coerced and deceived. Dax should have been gi...