Doctor Wilson and Scientism
The author of this paper believes that Doctor Wilson’s personal worldview is influenced by scientism. In “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” (n.d.), Doctor Wilson uses facts that the test results were positive for the rare condition and the chance that the fetus could have Down syndrome also to deliver the news to Jessica and Marco and the available options. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay). Doctor Wilson delivered the news without interjecting religion or spirituality into his discussion; however, he did provide his own view that abortion was medically and scientifically a good choice in this situation, and a responsible medical alternative. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)
According to Burnett (n.d.), scientism explains reality and events in a material or physical manner. Scientism removes all spiritual, cultural and religious aspects in examining, explaining and rationalizing reality and does not account for what happens after death. Science is viewed as the only real source of knowledge and ignores other branches of learning and knowledge. Scientism can influences and determine the actions of individuals by the use of scientific facts, studies and knowledge gained from science alone, and by explaining situations in a physical or material manner. (Burnett, n.d.)
Using the concepts listed one can see scientism in the actions of Doctor Wilson: providing facts on the abnormalities and quality of life for the child, abortion as a medical alternative, different options available but also makes it known his opinion that abortion is medically and scientifically a good choice. As stated, scientism removes all spiritual, cultural and religious aspects which we can see Doctor Wilson did not address while giving his recommendations. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)
Aunt Maria and Christianity
The author of this paper believes that Aunt Maria’s worldview is Christianity. In the case study, Aunt Maria prays for her family and is seen phoning their priest. Aunt Maria also interjects her opinion that Jessica should not abort the fetus, asks Jessica to think of her responsibilities to the growing fetus inside of her as the fetus’s mother and that they should follow God’s plan. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.) Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).
According to Shelly and Miller (2006), a Christian worldview looks to God and the importance of prayer, faith and a personal approach to health care, and that science and technology are gifts from God to help benefit creation. The Christian worldview also encompasses taking care of the sick, indigent and to provide aid and comfort to those in need. Another Christian concept is imago Dei which is a term with many dimensions: we are all created in the image of God, we have a duty and responsibility to ourselves, others and to God, we have a place in God’s plan, and we all must find a purpose and meaning to fulfil in life. (Shelly & Miller, 2006)
Using the concepts listed one can see Aunt Maria’s Christian worldview through the use of prayer, and the belief in God’s plan (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). The Christian worldview looks at the fetus as a living human being that has a place in God’s plan, and that Jessica and Marco have a duty and responsibility to the fetus as the fetus’s parents to nurture, care and to love the fetus no matter what abnormalities the fetus may have. The fetus was created through love and in the image of God, and as such, the fetus has the right to live, the right to grow and the right to follow in God’s plan. Though through the advances in science and technology one can see that the fetus will have some abnormalities; however, only God can determine the path of the fetus and what abnormalities the fetus will actually be born with, and the fetus may be able to benefit from the advances in science, health care services and technology through the use of prosthetics and different therapies. (Shelly & Miller, 2006) Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).
Marco and Materialism
The author of this paper believes that Marco has a Materialistic worldview. In the case study, Marco is portrayed as being concerned about his wife Jessica and will support her in any decision that she makes, in regards to the growing fetus. Marco also is concerned about the economic security and plans for his wife and himself, and sees the pregnancy and possibility of having a disabled child not only as a burden but also a barrier to their future. (HLT 310V Case Stud
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