November 2019 Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay Prescribed Title #3 RLE – Japan Medical Association ‘s Principles of Medical Ethics

https://www.med.or.jp/english/about_JMA/principles.html

1. The physician should strive to achieve a lifelong dedication to continuing education, to keep abreast of medical knowledge and technology, and to support its progress and development.
   
   
2. The physician should be aware of the dignity and responsibility of his/her occupation and strive to enhance his/her cultural refinement, education, and integrity.
   
   
3. The physician should respect the individuality of his/her patients, treat them with compassion, provide full explanations of all medical treatment, and endeavor to earn the trust of the patient.
   
   
4. The physician should maintain respect for his/her fellow physician, cooperate with medical care personnel and serve the cause of medical care to the best of his/her abilities.
   
   
5. The physician should respect the spirit of public service that characterizes health care, contribute to the development of society while abiding by legal standards and establishing legal order.
   
   
6. The physician will not engage in medical activities for profit-making motives.

#1 above clearly indicates the importance of changes in shared knowledge. Doctors and the public should gain confidence from the development of medical shared knowledge.

There are cases, however, when changes in shared knowledge undermines confidence. Sometimes medical researchers and medical companies do not follow accepted procedure and they hurt the development of medical knowledge. This could potentially hurt people’s confidence in the relevant shared knowledge.

Additionally, much of the public’s understanding of scientific shared knowledge comes from the media. If the media exaggerates research to increase viewer numbers some of the reporting may later be found to be in error. In that case, the public would be justified in having less confidence in the shared knowledge.