Glick SM. The Emotions in Bioethical Decision-making.
THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2022;
95:355-358. [PMID:
36187417 PMCID:
PMC9511948]
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Abstract
In an era of evidence-based medicine and an increasing use of technology the question is raised again as to what extent emotions should play in medical and ethical decision-making. While clearly the correct facts in each case are a sine qua non for ethical decision-making, and one should evaluate each situation rationally in accord with accepted ethical principles, the appropriate role of the emotions in decision-making is gaining increased attention in part as a result of newer research in neuroethics. In end-of-life care there often exists a disconnect between the "rational" analysis by many philosophers and ethicists and the emotional reactions of many physicians and nurses with respect to the comparison between withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. It is suggested that these attitudes of many health care workers should not be ignored because they represent a critical, almost universal, and laudable value of reluctance to take human life, a value so strongly ingrained in the ethos of the medical profession.
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