Zvonova, E. E. Anorexia and Bulimia: Artichoke for a Philosopher

Abstract: The author of the article makes an attempt to alight philosophical and, most of all, ethical issues related to anorexia, bulimia and their treatment. Based on Cimona Giordano’s book ‘Understanding eating disorders: conceptual and ethical issues in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia nervosa’, the author of the present article offers an unusual solution of the issue concerning restrictions of such patients’ autonomy. The author provides facts proving that cognitive defects such patients might have do not restrict their autonomy and therefore, Giordano’s opinion that the principle of plain paternalism can be applied to their therapy is rather biased. Generally, the author keeps up to the opinion that unconscious adoption of particular values is one of the factors of anorexia and bulimia (transedential values and overcoming the mother’s claims that a woman must be thin). The author also points out the non verifiable nature of values (which was not considered by Giordano) and therefore impossibility to regard patients’ values as ‘non-correct’ and unauthentic and to use the principle of paternalism. The author makes a conclusion that freedom of patients suffering from anorexia and bulimia must not be restricted because their free will and a right to act how they want are very important for therapy and treatment of eating disorders.

Keywords: