Miejsce "osoby" w decyzji medycznej. Analiza zagadnienia w świetle personalizmu Jacques'a Maritaina

Abstract

The motion of medical decision refers to the foundational moment of the relationship between the patient and the care provider (a doctor, a nurse, a chaplain etc.) As such, it is based on the specific principles and the ethical standards. We discuss it from the perspective of Jacques Maritain’s personalism. Examining the main anthropological assumptions, the French philosopher shows that the medical depends on how we picture reality, including the concept of a being human. The decision making process comes from an integral and complex view of humanity with its physical and spiritual dimension. Then we analyse the human actions to show that the decisions are related to the normative dimension of what we do. We may conclude that the concept of human dignity is not purely ontological, but it has its consequences in the day-to-day practice. It allows us to improve the patient’s conditions and to enable the therapeutic value of the decision making. We must bear in mind that the human being transcends its own intellect and is still open to knowledge (intellect) and love (will). Any medical decision is therefore closely related to the natural human abilities. Therefore, because of our nature and with the help of others, we can make decisions based on objective premises.