Bioethics: Kantian Ethics in Physician-Assisted Death

Assignment

1, As a patient, after the fact, Dax still disagreed with his doctor’s choice, even though he now lived a good life.  What are his reasons for disagreeing?  Connect his answer to the Principle of Autonomy, Formula of Ends, or Harm Principle and explain the connection. Cite specific page numbers in the reading. (Connects with Module Objective 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The Module Objectives can be found on the Guide and Checklist of this Module)

Example of citing:

Dax said he is happy now and probably happier than most people (Burt, 1998, p. 17).

Source: Burt, Robert A., "Confronting Death: Who Chooses? Who Controls? A Dialogue between Dax Cowart and Robert Burt" (1998). Faculty Scholarship Series. Paper 706.

2, Think of an instance when someone acted paternalistically toward you or someone you know. "Paternalism" means that the person acted in what they believed to be your best interests and you did not have a choice in the matter. It could be small or big. Describe what happened. What were their reasons for acting paternalistically? Were they morally justified in doing so, according to the moral frameworks? Were they correct that it was in your best interests? (It is also okay if you are the person acting paternalistically in the example). (Connects with Module Objectives 1, 3. The Module Objectives can be found on the Guide and Checklist at the beginning of this Module.)

3, Imagine that you are in the same situation as the current Dax. Would you, like Dax, regret that the doctors kept you alive when you were in pain? Or would you be glad they had overruled your wishes because you have a good life now? Why? State a premise in Dax’s argument that you agree or disagree with, or that you think would not apply to a different case. Cite specific page numbers in the reading. (Connects with Module Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The Module Objectives can be found on the Guide and Checklist at the beginning of this Module.)

Reference, Instruction and module objective attached below

Munson & Lague Chapter 1

• Pages 76-80 “Dax Cowart and Robert Burt: Confronting Death: Who Chooses, Who Controls? A Dialogue” (Skim Burt, read Cowart carefully)
• “Briefing Session” pg 38-46, 51-54, 55-58 (Autonomy, Paternalism, Informed Consent, Dignity & Consent, Confidentiality, HIPAA, on Mill and Kant) (Skim)

Munson & Lague Chapter 12

• “Major Moral Principles: Principle of Autonomy” Ch 12 941-94

Through the assignments in Module 3, students will learn how to:

1. Explain the importance and limits of autonomy. (connects with Course Outcome 1)
2. Apply the principle of autonomy to a bioethics case. (connects with Course Outcome 2)
3. Evaluate the Principle of Autonomy from different moral frameworks (i.e. What does Kantianism say about Autonomy? How does Utilitarianism and Care Ethics each value autonomy?) (Connects with Course Outcome 1)
4. Describe key facts about a bioethics case (Connects with Course Outcome 4 and Research Paper Learning Outcome 1)
5. Explain what other people have said about a bioethics case (state and explain the premises and conclusion of their argument). (Connects with Course Outcomes 2, 3; Research Paper Learning Outcome 3)
6. Cite sources (Connects with Research Paper Learning Outcome 2).

Munson, Ronald. “Intervention and Reflection: Basic Issues in Medical Ethics Loose leaf version 10^th Edition with Question, Wadsworth Cengage Learning ISBN 9781337067904