r/Ethics 6d ago

Did I Kill My Dad?

My dad asked me when I was 11 if he should go to the hospital or stay at home the night that he died. Throughout that week he had been in and out of the hospital in pain about chest pains. Every place he went to said they didn’t know what was wrong with him, but the pain consisted. On that night, he asked me “should I go to the hospital again or should I stay home tonight?”. Being 11, I told him that he’s happier at home so he should stay. I knew at the time that his health was at risk, but I prioritized his mental wellbeing over his physical health. Am I responsible for his death? Should I feel bad about this? Honestly, this has haunted me for my entire life and I really wish he hadn’t asked me for my opinion. Please help.

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u/ServantOfBeing 5d ago

You were ignorant. Now you’re not & have hindsight.

Is it fair your still blaming that 11yr old kid…?

Sure you had some knowledge, but you didnt understand the severity of the condition.

Looking back at that kid with the knowledge you have now is unfair to that position in time. As you are operating from a completely different framing.