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July 15, 2019
Care of dying
Part A
Reading comprehension
The ethical philosophies of Rule Utilitarian and Natural Law present different views on the case of Mr. Box. According to the Rule Utilitarian principles it is ethical to think about the greatest number of people rather than a single person. This philosophy suggests to “expand beyond the idea of pleasure to that of satisfying the interests of people” CITATION Phi092 \l 1033 (Pecorino). This reflects that in Mr. Box’s case it would be ethical to avoid operation and let him die because it will be in the best interest of others. By avoiding operation it is possible to save Box from mental coherence and pain.
The ethical theory of Natural law states that “people cannot live moral lives unless they follow God’s moral teachings” CITATION Phi092 \l 1033 (Pecorino). According to this philosophy it would be unethical to deny operation to Mr. Box because it is equivalent to the act of killing. According to the moral teachings it is obligatory for the doctor to save the life of Mr. Box. Natural Law theory also claims that morality cannot be attained until a person have belief in supernatural entity (God). This states that God prevents humans from causing harm to others or killing them. The decision of denying operation is unethical because it is intentional killing of Mr. Box.
Critical thinking
Position: I will defend the case by suggesting ending the life of Mr. Box. My decision of denying operation relies on the ethical theory of Rule Utilitarianism.
Reasons: Keeping in view the medical condition of Mr. Box it is evident that the operation will be of no good to him. He will become mentally incoherent after operation. Rule Utilitarian philosophy can bee applied in this case that suggests choosing the course of action that leads to the best interest of the majority. Keeping Mr. Box alive in mentally incoherent condition will be more unpleasant for the healthcare provider and family of Mr. Box. Keeping him alive in such condition will also prevent hospital from using resources for other patients in case of high turnover. This will also cause financial pressure on the entity who is paying for the health cost of Mr. Box. I believe that ending the life of Mr. Box is ethical because it will lead to the pleasure of greatest number of people. Rule Utilitarian theory supports my decision of denying operation to him.
Reasons of flawed positions: I think that the Natural Law philosophy is not appropriate in justifying the decision of keeping Mr. Box alive. This is because the theory relies on the moral obligation but not on the outcome of choice.
Criticism: The followers of natural law theory believes that it is unethical and immoral to kill a person irrespective of the outcomes. It is a moral obligation of the doctors to save the lives of patients. Outcomes are not important and morality is decided on thee basis of action.
Rebuttal: I believe that the criticism raised by Natural Law theory is ineffective and weak because it is important to consider the outcomes of the situation.
Part B
Materials concerning internet
https://www.dyingmatters.org/gp_page/dr-peter-nightingale-my-experience
https://www.dyingmatters.org/gp_page/dr-catherine-millington-sanders-my-experience
https://www.dyingmatters.org/gp_page/professor-mayur-lakhani-my-experience
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170216103931.htm
Viewpoints of analysts and ethicists
Dr. Sweis an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Dr. Biller a Professor of Neurology claims that patients with spinal chord injury are unable to live an active or healthy life. In many cases the patient is only living a miserable life because he is unable to perform even the simple functions CITATION Roc17 \l 1033 (Sweis and Biller). According to their analysis patients dying from care must not be operated when it only adds to suffering and pain while the chances of recovery from paralysis are zero.
Dr. Peter Nightingale explains the bioethical philosophy behind ending life of older patients. He encountered a case of 82-years old patient who was retired diabetic teacher. He was admitted after convulsion caused by hypernatremia. The patient expressed his desire of receiving no resuscitation. He agreed to sign the care planning documentation and Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) form. He returned to the hospital after having it discussed with the facility. Nightingale considers this act of ending life of patient as ethical that resulted in high dignified death. His views states that it is better to let an older patient die who wants to end suffering CITATION GP18 \l 1033 (GP).
Dr. Catharine Millington holds adequate experience of dealing with the patients of palliative care. She explains her encounter with an elderly cancer patient who was receiving care for many years and was dependent on his wife. He decided to receive care at home and die there. He also stated receiving no resuscitation because he had mentioned that it will only prolong suffering. Millington comments supports the act of ending life of patients who are living a retarded life and wants to get rid of pain CITATION Dai19 \l 1033 (Daily).
Professor Mayur Lakhani also supports ending life of the patients who are undergoing severe pain at older age. The patient was 82 years old and suffered from acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive disease. He was unable to perform normal body functions and decided to sign the Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) form. According to Lakhanii ending life of the patient in such situation is ethical if patient gives consent CITATION Dai18 \l 1033 (Daily).
Work Cited
BIBLIOGRAPHY Daily. Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders: my experience . 2019. 15 07 2019 <https://www.dyingmatters.org/gp_page/dr-catherine-millington-sanders-my-experience>.
—. Professor Mayur Lakhani: my experience . 2018. 15 07 2019 <https://www.dyingmatters.org/gp_page/professor-mayur-lakhani-my-experience>.
GP. Dr Peter Nightingale: my experience . 2018. 15 07 2019 <https://www.dyingmatters.org/gp_page/dr-peter-nightingale-my-experience>.
Pecorino, Philip A. Medical Ethics . The City University of New York , 2009.
Sweis, Rochelle and José Biller. " Systemic Complications of Spinal Cord Injury." Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 17.2 (2017).
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