Cochlear implant/Deaf World dispute: different bottom elephants.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the controversy between the proponents of cochlear implantation in children and the Deaf World opponents with the hope of offering a method for decreasing the acrimony of opposing positions. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING (METHODS): The opposing arguments will be presented from a review of pertinent literature. The systemic philosophic process of bottom elephant analysis will be elucidated. Contrasting models of power will be described.


RESULTS
The application of the bottom elephant analysis of each group's position plus a paradigm shift in the utilization of power offers possibilities for the implementation of mutually respectful dialogue that does not undermine each group's stature.


CONCLUSIONS
Philosophic analysis and paradigm shift could lead to improvement in the interaction of cochlear implant proponents and Deaf World opponents.
Gonsoulin
T P
TP
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. tgonsou@tulane.edu
D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D004989:Ethics; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations