QUESTION 4(a)
GS4
10 marks
Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor’s action.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Separate the doctor’s beneficent intention from paternalistic pressure that may compromise autonomous consent.
ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.
Demand-wise check
- 1Beneficence: acting for patient welfare based on medical benefit≈30 words
- 2Paternalism: overriding or steering patient choice for perceived good≈30 words
- 3Apply facts: concern may be beneficent, but family pressure and reluctant consent raise voluntariness/autonomy problems≈30 words
- 4Ethical alternative: full information, non-coercive counselling and respect for competent choice≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
ConceptsMotiveMethod/consent analysisEthical alternative
Where marks usually go
- Calling all medical advice paternalism
- Assuming reluctant consent is automatically valid informed consent
Value addition
- Beneficence vs autonomy balance
→ Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.
Verified value additions
These are verified official-source additions selected for this exact PYQ. Use only the point that strengthens your argument.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.