EconTalk
Megan McArdle on the Oedipus Trap
Mar 20, 2023
Megan McArdle, a journalist and author from the Washington Post, discusses the controversial legacy of lobotomies and the complexities of admitting mistakes in both medicine and personal life. She explores the 'Oedipus Trap,' illustrating how acknowledging errors can be nearly impossible. The conversation navigates historical practices in mental health, the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals, and the scarcity of public regret from politicians. McArdle emphasizes the importance of awareness and critical dialogue in making informed decisions.
01:14:38
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Quick takeaways
- The dangers of ignoring detrimental effects and cherry-picking outcomes in medical decision-making.
- Ethical challenges in medical interventions and the importance of acknowledging failures for patient well-being.
Deep dives
The Tragic History of Lobotomies and Walter Freeman
Lobotomies were a brutal procedure that irreversibly scarred patients' brains, often leading to apathy and other severe side effects. Walter Freeman, a key figure in lobotomy history, continued to advocate for the procedure even as it fell out of favor with the medical establishment following the development of antipsychotic drugs. Despite the procedure's horrors, some patients surprisingly went on to lead successful lives after lobotomies, complicating the narrative around its effectiveness and ethical considerations.
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