The Doctor's Dilemma: The Doctor's Dilemma: Bernard Shaw's Satirical Comedy of Medical Ethics

Bernard Shaw

Jan 2021 · Penguin books Book 564 · Prabhat Prakashan

About this ebook

"The Doctor's Dilemma"

***** Bernard Shaw is a sharp and satirical exploration of the ethical dilemmas within the medical profession. Set in a world where doctors are faced with moral quandaries that challenge their professionalism, Shaw crafts a thought-provoking narrative that dissects the complexities of healthcare, the decisions made behind closed doors, and the delicate balance between life and death. This play invites readers to delve into the inner workings of the medical field, offering a window into the tough choices doctors face every day and the consequences these choices can have on the lives of their patients.

***** "The Doctor's Dilemma," Shaw masterfully presents a series of intricate moral conundrums, forcing both the characters and the audience to wrestle with their own beliefs about ethics, responsibility, and the role of medicine in society. Through his satirical commentary, Shaw critiques the medical establishment, exposing the conflicts of interest that arise when human lives are at stake. The play also explores the personal motivations of doctors, revealing the complex and often flawed relationships they have with their patients, colleagues, and even their own consciences.

***** wit and intellectual acumen are on full display in this play, as he not only tackles the moral questions surrounding the medical profession but also delves into universal themes of life, death, and the human condi***** "The Doctor's Dilemma" remains a compelling and relevant work that continues to spark discussions about the ethics of healthcare and the difficult decisions that medical professionals must make on a daily basis. For anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, morality, and society, Shaw's play is an invaluable resource that provokes deep reflection and conversation.

***** “Shaw’s 'The Doctor’s Dilemma' is a brilliant and incisive exploration of the ethical complexities of the medical profession. His sharp wit and masterful critique of the medical system make this play a must-read for anyone interested in the moral implications of healthcare.”

***** “A thought-provoking play that provides a satirical look at the ethical issues doctors face. While the characters and dialogue are engaging, some sections feel a bit too heavy-handed in their critique of the medical profession. Still, an excellent read for those interested in morality and medicine.”

***** “An intellectually stimulating play that challenges the reader to reflect on the morality of medical decisions. Shaw’s satirical tone brings humor to a serious subject, though at times it can feel a bit dated. Nonetheless, the ethical dilemmas presented remain relevant and compelling.”

***** “While Shaw’s writing is sharp and insightful, 'The Doctor’s Dilemma' can be a bit dense and difficult to follow at times. The play raises important questions about medical ethics but may not appeal to everyone due to its complex themes and somewhat dated humor.”

***** “A timeless exploration of medical ethics, 'The Doctor’s Dilemma' is a brilliant piece of theatre that challenges the moral boundaries of the medical profession. Shaw’s ability to provoke thought and spark discussion on such important issues makes this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare and morality.”

About the author

Bernard Shaw, the author of The Doctor's Dilemma, crafts a powerful social commentary play that dives deep into Medical Ethics and the complexities faced by those in the Medical Profession. This Shaw Play explores the difficult choices made by London Doctors and raises questions about the Doctor Patient Relationship and the very purpose of a Doctor's Life. At its heart lies the concept of the Moral Dilemma, specifically whether a doctor should decide who is Worth Saving Life when resources are limited, particularly regarding the ability to Cure Tuberculosis using a new Opsonin Treatment. The play features a range of distinct medical personalities, including Sir Colenso Ridgeon, the developer of the treatment, Cutler Walpole, a surgeon obsessed with the Nuciform Sac and believing many ailments stem from Blood Poisoning treatable with the knife, Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington, a charismatic physician promoting vague ideas about stimulating Phagocytes with Anti-toxin or Vaccine, and the older, more grounded Schutzmacher Cullen and the struggling Dr Blenkinsop. The central Artist Dilemma concerns Louis Dubedat, a young man of undeniable Artistic Genius facing death from consumption. His wife, Jennifer Dubedat, seeks Ridgeon's help, forcing him to confront the Doctor's Judgment of who deserves treatment. The play offers a sharp Critique of Medicine and highlights issues like Quackery in Medicine, the clash between Physician vs Surgeon, and the often-tenuous nature of Medical Practice. Through vivid scenes in a Consulting Room, at the Star and Garter Richmond, and in a Studio Life setting, the play explores themes of Disease Treatment, the Scientific Method, and the consequences of a Salvation Decision. It questions whether a person's moral character, as exemplified by Dubedat's questionable behavior like borrowing money and possibly bigamy, should factor into the Physician Play. Available as a Public Domain Play through Project Gutenberg Drama, this Historical Play from the Edwardian Play era remains a compelling Kindle Drama Book, offering a timeless look at the intersection of art, life, death, and the human condition. The excerpt provides a glimpse into the Doctor Friendship dynamics and the complex Art and Morality issues surrounding Dubedat, whose wife's immense Wife's Love shapes her perception of his character and talents. The dialogue reveals distinct approaches to medical care, from the empirical focus on vaccination for specific diseases to more theoretical discussions about germs and circulation, making it a relevant piece for understanding the evolution of medical thought.