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Silence and truth in death and dying

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  • Armstrong, David

Abstract

Since about 1960 a socio-medical literature has emerged which asserts the importance of truth in the dialogue between dying patient and medical attendant; at the same time the former regime of silence is condemned. This paper argues against the implication that truth and silence are in opposition, and moreover that it is only since 1960 that it has been possible to speak the truth about death. Rather what has changed is the nature of truth itself which is manifested in the shift from the interrogation of the corpse to that of the dying patient.

Suggested Citation

  • Armstrong, David, 1987. "Silence and truth in death and dying," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 24(8), pages 651-657, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:24:y:1987:i:8:p:651-657
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    Cited by:

    1. Gott, M. & Small, Neil & Barnes, Sarah & Payne, Sheila & Seamark, David, 2008. "Older people's views of a good death in heart failure: Implications for palliative care provision," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(7), pages 1113-1121, October.
    2. Borgstrom, Erica & Walter, Tony, 2015. "Choice and compassion at the end of life: A critical analysis of recent English policy discourse," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 136, pages 99-105.
    3. Zimmermann, Camilla, 2012. "Acceptance of dying: A discourse analysis of palliative care literature," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(1), pages 217-224.

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