Paternalism and the marginally competent: an ethical dilemma, no easy answers

TY - JOUR

T1 - Paternalism and the marginally competent

T2 - an ethical dilemma, no easy answers

AU - Kelly, Timothy B.

PY - 1995

Y1 - 1995

N2 - Social workers in geriatric settings often face difficult ethical dilemmas. These ethical dilemmas become less clear and more gut wrenching when they involve clients with marginal compe- tence. ' h o case examples are discussed which illustrate the baffling and conflictinn natureof one ethical and moral dilemma often seen in various for& in a psychogeriatric social work practice: autonomy versus beneficence. After the case vresentations, the two competing principles of beneficence and autoiomy are discussed, followed by an examination of the nature of competence. Finally, an in depth exploration of the concept of paternalism will be undertaken and related to the case studies.

AB - Social workers in geriatric settings often face difficult ethical dilemmas. These ethical dilemmas become less clear and more gut wrenching when they involve clients with marginal compe- tence. ' h o case examples are discussed which illustrate the baffling and conflictinn natureof one ethical and moral dilemma often seen in various for& in a psychogeriatric social work practice: autonomy versus beneficence. After the case vresentations, the two competing principles of beneficence and autoiomy are discussed, followed by an examination of the nature of competence. Finally, an in depth exploration of the concept of paternalism will be undertaken and related to the case studies.

U2 - 10.1300/J083V23N01_05

DO - 10.1300/J083V23N01_05

M3 - Article

C2 - 11660764

SN - 0163-4372

VL - 23

SP - 67

EP - 84

JO - Journal of Gerontological Social Work

JF - Journal of Gerontological Social Work

IS - 1-2

ER -