Medical Authority and Professional Medical Authority: The Nature of Authority in Medicine for Decisions by Lay Persons and Professionals

Abstract

The nature of authority in medical decisions is a subject of current controversy. In their analyses of medical authority, Richard Flathman in “Power, Authority, and Rights in the Practice of Medicine” and Stanley Hauerwas in “Authority and the Profession of Medicine” have contributed to advancing the debate. In spite of their apparently diverging analyses and proposed solutions, they share much in common. Both are acutely aware that the authority of the medical professional has seen hard times recently. Both recognize that historical notions of physician authority grounded in technical expertise and skill are not an adequate basis for authority. Both appear compelled to salvage some residual element of legitimate professional medical authority. And both make interesting attempts.