35 J. Med. Ethics: 'They Just Don't Get It!' When Family Disagrees With Expert Opinion.

AuthorHo, A.
PositionReprint

The notions of "expert" and "expertise" imply that some people have more credibility than others on certain matters. While expert authority is often taken for granted, there are questions as to whether expert power in some cases may be a form of epistemic oppression. Informed by bedside disagreements between family and clinicians as well as feminist discussions of epistemic oppression, the author argues for a commitment to epistemic humility and the adoption of a two-way collaborative approach between clinicians and families that can help to enhance professionals' own understanding of their theoretical framework and also promote responsive patient care.

Medical experts, who are highly educated, experienced and specialized in their domains, often understand the world differently from lay persons. Despite their good intentions and dedication to promote patient interests, experts are often driven by...

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