Philosophy Paper on autonomy of surrogate decision-makers justifies deferring to their decisions for incompetent patient
Philosophy Paper on autonomy of surrogate decision-makers justifies deferring to their decisions for incompetent patient
Write an approximately 12-page double-spaced (about 3,000 words) response to one of the topics below:
Does respect for the autonomy of surrogate decision makers justify deferring to
their decisions for incompetent patients even in some cases where they clearly
conflict with the patients’ best interests? First, explain whether and to what
extent you think surrogate decision makers have a legitimate autonomy interest
in the treatment of incompetent patients that should override their actual best
interests (you may want to consider cases like adult Jehovah’s Witnesses’
attempts to refuse transfusions for their minor children). Second, present what
you think is the strongest argument in favour of your position on whether there
is such an autonomy interest. Third, present what you think is the best objection
to your position or your argument in favour of it. Finally, fourth, defend your
position against this objection.
