As stated in the textbook, health care communication ethics "protects and promotes the good of responsive hope and the good of care for the Other in meeting moments of robust health, normal difficulties, the tragic, and the inevitable (191). One aspect of this chapter that is introduced in the very beginning that intrigued me was the difference between optimism and hope, where Arnett says hope "endures even in the face of disappointed expectations, while optimism "fades with the reality that life does not grant one's demands" (192). It's interesting to look at those definitions and see a completely different meaning and understanding.
Relating to the course topic, it's apparent that health care is obviously extremely important topic for every person to be concerned with. One example that really sticks out to me is my aunt who is dying of breast cancer right now. My first thought is, well everything in the end will be okay, it's going to work out. And then it sinks in, that patients with stage 4 breast cancer don't have a high rate of survival. I think one important part of the debate between optimism and hope is that with optimism, you have blind faith; not completely seeing reality. On the other hand, being hopeful, you understand reality and everything negative or positive outcome that may surface.
I like how you brought up the difference between optimism and hope because I think those concepts are what this chapter really emphasizes on. I too have gone through some similar struggles with cancer and family members and hope and optimism really come into play in these situations. I like how you said "blind faith" because you lack to see the reality as you stated in your post. With these high expectations you can possibly end up being let down if things turn for the worst. On the other hand Hope to me is expecting the worst of a situation but still being hopeful for the best outcome. Expectations are negated when dealing with hope which is why there is a less of a let down when one is more hopeful.
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a good point and I think the difference between optimism and hope is important. I feel like hope endures much more hardship and time than optimism as optimism can fade.
ReplyDeleteI know I've been in situations where optimism most definitely fades and I feel pessimistic about a health situation with my Grampa but at the same time I hold on to the hope that he is going to be okay and that I will have the time with him that's meant to be. Optimism can lose this aspect and fluctuate much more than the idea of hope especially when it comes to situations dealing with people's health.
Interesting point what you brought about the difference between optimism and hope. I think that hope goes beyond optimism, hope is something you really feel deeply. And I also like have you describe as seeing reality. I think that positive is something you als
ReplyDeleteo something you need to stay when you may know that someone is not going to make it, to make that person feel comfortable, even though it is hard. I am very sorry about your aunt and know how hard it is to stay positive in that situation.