preview

Competence Marginal And Otherwise By Benjamin Freedman Summary

Good Essays

In accordance with Benjamin Freedman’s perspective in “Competence, Marginal and Otherwise” , Ms. B’s decision to not be treated may be respected for her demonstration of recognizable reasoning despite the strong argument against her aptitude for rational thinking and competency in this situation, or more so - what we know of her character from the study. Thus, greater evidence is seemingly not needed to prove she has or is capable of achieving a competent decision as her person and societal behaviours suggests her disposition was never initially competent. However, with respecting Ms. B’s autonomy requires scrutiny and additional measures to be taken to consult Ms. B on the severity of the consequences of her decision and provide her steps …show more content…

B’s competency can be made through her recognizable reasons. Freedman, as a strong proponent of the view that such reasons fall under both necessary and sufficient conditions to demonstrate some competence, would argue autonomous decisions demonstrate the competence to recognize and uphold one’s best interests. Ms. B’s last assertion is her strongest and most empathetic defense for competency because the thought that “they might take her feet without letting her make the decision” was terrible; it was an outcome she understood the significance of because her autonomy and consent would be overridden by what was deemed ordinary treatment. Freedman stresses that physician judgement on what is rational and what rationality involves imposes a paternalistic stance by placing greater value on physician decision making. Though the premises that all lives are equal and the autonomy to govern one’s medical decisions based on their best interests are not explicitly stated, they are implied in recognizing that she has the right to refuse the amputation even when the outcome of said decision is no more desirable. As this would be an acceptable reason, Freedman would argue Ms. B appeared marginally

Get Access