Full Answer Section
Which option does Kant's Formula of Ends require the doctor to choose?
Kant's categorical imperative
Kant's categorical imperative is a moral principle that states that we should always act in a way that we could will to be a universal law. This means that we should always act in a way that we would be happy for everyone else to act in the same way.
If the doctor were to lie to the patient about his illness, he would be treating the patient as a means to an end. He would be using the patient's hope of recovery to achieve his own goal of making the patient happy.
This would violate Kant's Formula of Ends, because the doctor would not be treating the patient with respect. He would be using the patient for his own purposes.
Kant's categorical imperative would require the doctor to tell the patient the truth about his illness.
This is because the doctor would not be able to will a universal law that states that it is permissible to lie to people about their illnesses. He would not want to be treated this way himself.
Why should the doctor tell the patient the truth?
There are a number of reasons why the doctor should tell the patient the truth about his illness.
First, the patient has a right to know the truth about his condition. He has the right to make informed decisions about his own care.
Second, lying to the patient would violate his trust. The patient trusts the doctor to tell him the truth, and he relies on the doctor's advice. If the doctor were to lie to the patient, it would damage their relationship.
Third, lying to the patient would be unfair to his family and friends. They also have a right to know the truth about his condition, so that they can support him through his illness.
Conclusion
Kant's Formula of Ends and categorical imperative require the doctor to tell the patient the truth about his illness. This is because the doctor would be treating the patient with respect and honoring his right to autonomy.
Additional thoughts
It is important to note that telling the patient the truth does not mean that the doctor should be insensitive or abrupt. The doctor should be compassionate and understanding when delivering the news. He should also offer the patient support and resources to help him cope with his illness.
It is also important to note that the doctor should respect the patient's wishes if he does not want to know the truth about his illness. The doctor should not force the patient to hear the truth if he is not ready for it.
Sample Answer
Kant's Formula of Ends states that we should always treat others as ends in themselves, never merely as means to an end. This means that we should respect the dignity of others and always act in their best interests.
In the thought experiment above, the doctor has two options:
- Tell the patient the truth about his illness, which will make him depressed and increase his chances of dying.
- Lie to the patient and tell him that the prognosis looks good, which will give him a very slightly better chance of recovering.