Question

Why do some people think nudging threatens the validity of informed consent? Give three reasons why Cohen thinks that nudging can be permissible in the clinical context.

Answer 1

Nudging is seen as a threat to informed consent because it can influence decisions, but Cohen argues it can be ethically permissible when it aligns with patient values, helps overcome biases, and is used transparently respecting patient autonomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some people believe that nudging threatens the validity of informed consent because it can influence individuals' decisions in a way that undermines their autonomy and may lead them to make choices without fully understanding all relevant information. However, according to Cohen, nudging can be permissible in the clinical context for several reasons:

1. Nudging can help patients make choices that align with their own values and long-term health interests.
2. It can serve as a tool to overcome behavioral biases that might lead to suboptimal health outcomes.
3. When used transparently and with respect for patients' autonomy, nudging can assist in decision-making without compromising informed consent.

In cases like the Tuskegee experiment or Nazi wartime experimentation, we see how ignoring the principles of autonomy and informed consent can lead to exploitation and abuse of vulnerable populations. Therefore, it's vital that clinical trials are conducted with careful ethical considerations, ensuring that all risks and benefits are thoroughly explained and that participation is entirely voluntary.