The Importance Of Autonomy

1.Autonomy is the freedom to make one’s own decisions without coercion (Miller, 66). When an individual possesses autonomy, they can decide things like where they will work, where they want to live, or where they will receive medical care. This paper will cover the significance of autonomy, and how it leads to happiness. Additionally, why autonomy is so crucial in a medical setting. Also, how physicians misuse the autonomy of their patients. Finally, how doctors can address these missteps, and improve the autonomy of their patients.
2. Autonomy is valuable for many reasons. Making one’s own decisions allows for happiness. For instance, I had the power to study what I am interested in, and studying kinesiology brings me great joy.

His parents would not allow him to follow his passion and pursue business. Autonomy is also important in forming relationships. If an individual does not have the ability to choose the person they will marry, they are less likely to be happy. Evidence shows that people in arranged marriages are usually more strained, than couple that marry for love. If people do not have freedom in their lifes, then they are oppressed. They lose the ability to find happiness and live independently.

3.In a medical context, autonomy is paramount to the patient. This is because it is they that will be affected by decisions made by the doctor. There three examples of doctor-patient relationship in choice of treatment. (Donagan 160). The first is when the doctor is active and chooses the treatment for the passive patient. The patient has no autonomy in this example. If the patient does not have autonomy when choosing treatment, they certainly will not have any while the treatment is being performed. While in the second model, the patient chooses different suggestions made by the

Medical professionals can restrict a patient’s autonomy in several troubling methods. One of the most frequent ways is to lie to their patients. This is usually done subtly, Collins states, “the art of medicine consists of mixing flasehoods and the truth” (Collins, 199). It is very damaging to lie to patients, even if the physician’s intentions are good. Bok gives an example of a young girl struggling with her feelings. She went to her doctor to get medication for her anxiety. Her pediatrician had no desire to give her the medication, and instead gave her vitamins. When she discovered the truth, she was crushed. Her doctor had deceived her (Bok 224-225). Another way that physician can restrict their patient’s autonomy is by not giving them choices for different treatments. Additionally, dismissing a patient when they do propose ideas. The patient has no chance of making any decision, it lies entirely with the doctor. Also, ordering treatments in which the patient is purely passive. For example, performing surgery leaves a patient completely passive. These last two restrictors can be very damaging for patients being treated with mental illness. Counseling treatment is a partnership, not a dictatorship. If a Psychotherapist does not listen to the patient or not giving them options, then their patient will not