by Robert Solomon and

Kathleen Higgins

Philosophy

University of Texas at Austin

You are a nurse and one of your more depressed patients, who has attempted suicide in the past, asks "what the doctor said" about his case. In fact, the doctor's prognosis was not good, but the patient would be able to go home in a few days and would most likely live a decent if restricted life for a few more years. But you sense that an accurate report might well initiate a serious depression and lead him to attempt to take his own life again.

Questions:

What do you say to the patient?

Do you discuss his questions with the doctor?

Would this be the time for a "white lie"?

Is there ever a time for a lie?