Respect for autonomy and best interests of adults

Question 1

What is a doctor’ duty of care?

Answer 1

• To act in a patient’s best interests
• Protect them from harm
• To respect their autonomy

Question 2

Define autonomy

Answer 2

Ethical concept, continuum.

• Freedom from body inviolation/ interference/constraint
• Self determination

Question 3

What are the conceptions of autonomy?

Answer 3

Conceptions of autonomy:

• Freedom from body inviolation, constraint or interference
• Self determination: freedom to persue goals according to one’s own desire
• Principled/moral autonomy: having authority over one’s actions
• Relational autonomy: agency and autonomy within social context
• First and second order desires: wanting something/wanting to want something