Please watch the YouTube video clip below (about the famous case of Dax Cowart), and then reflect on which specific senses of autonomy were challenged & why. Was is Free Action, Effective Deliberation, Authenticity or Moral Reflection? Here’s the link to the video:
How to solve
University of California Dax Cowart Case Reflection
In the video clip about the famous case of Dax Cowart, several senses of autonomy were challenged. Dax Cowart, a burn victim, faced immense physical and psychological suffering following a devastating accident. The specific senses of autonomy that were challenged in his case include Free Action, Effective Deliberation, Authenticity, and Moral Reflection.
Firstly, the sense of Free Action was challenged because Dax was stripped of his ability to make choices about his own medical treatment. Despite expressing his desire to refuse treatment and die, his autonomy was overridden by the medical professionals and legal system, who believed it was in his best interest to continue treatment.
Secondly, the sense of Effective Deliberation was compromised as Dax’s ability to make informed decisions about his own healthcare was called into question. Despite being in extreme pain and distress, Dax’s capacity to understand the medical complexities of his situation might have been limited. This cast doubt on whether he was truly able to deliberate effectively on treatment options and outcomes.
Thirdly, Dax’s Authenticity was challenged throughout his medical journey. As a burn survivor, he experienced profound physical and emotional changes that impacted his sense of self. This loss of identity and bodily autonomy created a sense of disconnectedness from his authentic self and challenged his ability to maintain a cohesive sense of identity.
Lastly, the sense of Moral Reflection was also challenged in Dax’s case. The medical professionals involved in his care struggled with ethical dilemmas regarding the balance between patient autonomy and the duty to preserve life. This complex decision-making process forced them to reflect deeply on their moral values and principles, potentially affecting the choices they made in Dax’s care.
Overall, the case of Dax Cowart highlighted the challenges to different senses of autonomy, including Free Action, Effective Deliberation, Authenticity, and Moral Reflection. It serves as a thought-provoking example of the complexities and ethical dilemmas that arise when considering individual autonomy in medical decision-making.
