Ethics Discussion Board #7:  Self-Determination Relates to Free Choice and Decision Making

Self-determination relates to free choice and decision making by an individual without external compulsion. However, 85% of adults who can read and write are confined by the principle of paternalism due to their intellectual inability in decision making. First, self-determination of adults is overruled by paternalism since most of the seniors lead assisted living arrangement; they are either under the care of family members or nursing homes. To facilitate effective cooperation with the caregivers and the elderly, decision making should be designated to the people with good memory and those who keep track of important life affairs in particular times. Second, despite their ability to read and write, old people's cognitive skills reduces leading to inaccurate decision making. For example, an older adult responsible in deciding on how family finances will be spent may not have enough ability to prioritize urgent household needs; hence necessitating the need for the application of paternalism.