truth
Not what you're looking for?
Jesusita, 80 years old and with a bad heart, is living in a convalescent hospital where she is visited regularly by her 50-year-old son, along with other members of the family. Her son dies suddenly one night of a heart attack. The remaining members of the family feel that she shouldn't be told of this because of her own weak heart, and in collusion with the hospital staff, no one tells her. After a week, Jesusita asks why her son hasn't visited her, and the family tells her he is on a business trip, hoping she will forget about him. But the next week she asks where he is and when he will return. She also wants to know why he hasn't called her or written a letter or postcard from where he is. The family tells her he is very busy but should be back soon. Another week passes and Jesusita becomes very restless and upset about her son not visiting her; she becomes harder and harder to care for, and she cries a lot. The staff and family gather to discuss what to do about the situation. They wonder whether they should tell her the truth now or think up some more excuses.
1. Did they do the right thing in the beginning by lying to Jesusita?
2. Is she were your mother or grandmother, and your brother or uncle had died, what do you think she should be told? Why or why not?
3. If you had done what they did or if you were staff dealing with this situation, what would you advise? Do you feel she should be told the truth now? If so, how would you do the telling? If not, how would you suggest this situation be handled?
4. Do you think it would have been better to tell her the truth in the beginning or not? Why or why not? Do you think not telling her in the beginning has made the situation better or worse? Why or why not? If so, in what ways?
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
Truthfulness is discussed in scenarios.
Solution Preview
1. Did they do the right thing in the beginning by lying to Jesusita?
Response: Absolutely not. They assumed that they knew better than the power of the truth. Many years ago a Mighty One thundered to the nation of Israel, "Thou shalt not bear false witness." In over 3000 years since that time, no one has convincingly argued in support of lying, whether they be great lies or little lies. Essentially, the "creation" assumed they knew better than their "Creator." Essentially, all they did was make it worse for Jesusita.
2. Is she were your mother or grandmother, and your brother or uncle had died, what do you think she should be told? Why or why not?
Response: I would tell her that the relative had died. Truth is powerful. When any one of us ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The World Health Organization
This quiz assesses the students knowledge about the World Health Organization. Although listed under “Philosophy” it is relevant to health care, political science, pre-med, and social scientist students as well.
Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy
Short quiz relating to Descartes