Individuals in a normal state of awareness are usually able to make their own decisions and also know what is best for them. However, J.S., a twenty-four-year-old male schizophrenic mentioned in Cases in Bioethics from The Hastings Center Report edited by Carl Levine and Robert Veatch, was not able to make these kinds of decisions in his state even while taking Prolixin, the medication to suppress his schizophrenia. This was due to the iatrogenic effect called tardive dyskinesia, a result of taking this antipsychotic drug. After several decisions made by his hospital, J.S. was able to become cordial and learned more about his medication-inflicted illness. In the process, he agreed to be part of an experiment in which he would take experimental
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However, this means that occasionally schizophrenics are able to think logically and competently for themselves. While in his normal state, J.S. was even able to comprehend where the involuntary movements of his muscles came from. He was logically able to decide in ceasing the medication that suppressed his disorder, but led to a debilitating side effect in these unwanted involuntary movements. He was also able to give his consent regarding the experiment, therefore knowing what he was about to enter and revealing the competence he has when he is …show more content…
He said, “Therefore / you are to tie me up, tight as a splint, / erect along the mast, lashed to the mast, / and if I shout and beg to be untied, / take more turns of the rope to muffle me” (Lines 194-198). This is equivalent to the way J.S. consented to take the experimental drug. Odysseus and J.S. approached their situation tactically using advance directives in the form of a Ulysses Contract. Medical advance directives contain one’s wishes before they enter a medical procedure that has the ability to end their life. In Odysseus’ case he was not entering a medical procedure, but was instead willing to listen to the alluring song of the Sirens. This song had the capability to kill him at the lethal arms of the Sirens if the seduction of the song got him to come after them. Just as Odysseus’ crew had respected and validly recognized his wishes stated in lines 194-198 when he was still sane, the researchers operated in a similar fashion listening to J.S.’s requests while he was still in a sound and healthy
However, this means that occasionally schizophrenics are able to think logically and competently for themselves. While in his normal state, J.S. was even able to comprehend where the involuntary movements of his muscles came from. He was logically able to decide in ceasing the medication that suppressed his disorder, but led to a debilitating side effect in these unwanted involuntary movements. He was also able to give his consent regarding the experiment, therefore knowing what he was about to enter and revealing the competence he has when he is …show more content…
He said, “Therefore / you are to tie me up, tight as a splint, / erect along the mast, lashed to the mast, / and if I shout and beg to be untied, / take more turns of the rope to muffle me” (Lines 194-198). This is equivalent to the way J.S. consented to take the experimental drug. Odysseus and J.S. approached their situation tactically using advance directives in the form of a Ulysses Contract. Medical advance directives contain one’s wishes before they enter a medical procedure that has the ability to end their life. In Odysseus’ case he was not entering a medical procedure, but was instead willing to listen to the alluring song of the Sirens. This song had the capability to kill him at the lethal arms of the Sirens if the seduction of the song got him to come after them. Just as Odysseus’ crew had respected and validly recognized his wishes stated in lines 194-198 when he was still sane, the researchers operated in a similar fashion listening to J.S.’s requests while he was still in a sound and healthy