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The trouble with do-gooders: the example of suicide
1Sub-Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|April 1, 1997
Summary
This study explores the "do-gooder" concept, where individuals impose unwanted help. It argues against compelling patients toward perceived best interests, critiquing covert "doing-good" by doctors, especially in suicide attempt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- The concept of
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and critique the
- To analyze the ethical implications of unsolicited benevolent actions in healthcare settings.
- To examine the practice of covert
- To discuss the specific case of treating patients who have attempted suicide.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the
- Ethical argumentation regarding patient autonomy and beneficence.
- Case study analysis focusing on suicide attempt survivors.
Main Results:
- Doing-good
- Compelling patients to act in their perceived best interest is ethically problematic.
- Doctors may engage in covert
- Critiques of these practices highlight potential harms and ethical breaches.
Conclusions:
- The concept of
- Respect for patient autonomy is paramount, even when patients' choices appear suboptimal.
- Ethical medical practice requires transparency and avoidance of paternalistic
- Special consideration is needed for vulnerable populations, such as those who have attempted suicide.
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