To What Extent Should We Act On Behalf Of Others

‘Should we act on behalf of others when our estimation of what is in their best interest contradicts their own?’ We shouldn’t only be thinking if we should act on behalf of others but If it is necessary. We should only act on behalf of others when they can not do it themselves, if they are not properly educated about certain circumstances, or they are putting their health and well being in danger. Children, mentally and physically disabled persons, elderly, and the sick and injured are acted on behalf of others every day. If a person is seriously injured and needed surgery immediately, their doctors don’t just wait around for their permission, or for the permission of their next of kin. They have a duty of care to make that decision to treat the patient, to potentially stop them from dying, or the risk of permanent injury. Imagine If you’re in a car crash, you’re legs are stuck, and the emergency crew can’t get you out. The only way you are getting out of that car, is if they cut off you’re legs. They will bring out a small handsaw, and whether you like it or not, they will put you to sleep and cut off you’re legs, because they see that as potentially saving you’re life. They have acted on behalf of you as their estimation of what was is in you’re best interests contradicted you’re own.
Despite medical advice to have the leg cut off, as it is a risk to her life, she is adamant that no-one is to remove her leg. But when she goes into septic shock due to the infection, her doctors and wife have to make that decision to remove her leg,in order to save her life. They acted on behalf of another as their estimation of what was in her best interests contradicted her