Ethics 2

Describe moral reasoning?

Individual or collective practical reasoning about what we ought to do, needs to have a logical component or risk over influence if emotional arguments that are not always credible

Describe Ad hominen argument?

Usually an attack on particular person to discredit what they say or do

Describe Tu quoque arguments?

Used to reduce or deflect the force of argument that person is making

What should happen Philosophically?

Delay our choice until reason determines which option is to be preferred

What universal system is followed in ethical dilemmas?

1. Weighting the facts
2. Setting these facts against possible outcomes
3. Deciding on the preferred course of action

What are the two types of reasoning?

Deductive, inductive

Describe deductive reasoning?

Logically sound, conclusion follows or entailed from supporting premise

Describe inductive reasoning?

Is inferred, conclusion is supported but not entailed by its premise

What must ration reasoning reference?

Ethical principles, combination of premises, reference to general ethical principles, a conclusion

What are Kohlbergs stages or moral reasoning?

Preconventional: based on self interest, conventional: based on conformity to social norms and expectations, postconventional: centre on justice and based on universal ethical principles

Describe fallacies?

Logical mistakes in reasoning

Define argument ad populam?

An argument that appeals to prejudice instead of facts and reason

Define a red herring?

An irrelevant tactical argument meant to divert attention away from main considerations

What do pharmacists need to consider when there is an ethical dilemma to duty of care?

Duty based morality, goal based morality, virtue based morality

Describe duty based morality

Patient have the right to good quality, current information and safe up to date decisions, 9 standards

Describe goal based morality

Internal motivations to use one’s knowledge and skills to better the lives of as many people as possible

Describe virtue based morality?

Joining the profession implies a commitment to honourable values, expected to be internalised

What does the creation of a register do?

Publicly states that the members of the profession claim particular knowledge and expertise, members are expected to be held accountable

What are the 3 terms used in professional accountability?

Responsibility, accountability, liability

Define responsibility?

Your job is to do a specific task but not necessarily more

Define accountability?

Your job is to achieve a specific outcome, ensure others do their specific tasks and can be called to account for failure

Define liability?

Can be called to account in law and possibly pay if failure leads to harm

What are the parts of a good decision?

Systematic structure, rational reasoning, value based reasoning, recorded decisions

What are the four stages of making a decision?

1. Gather relevant facts
2. Prioritise and ascribe values
3. Generate options
4. Choose an option

Describe stage 1 of the decision process?

What applies, criminal/NHS/civil law, what is the guidance on the situation, professional knowledge

Describe stage 2 of the decision process?

Consider the interest of others, reputation of pharmacy profession, own values, employer other HCPs

Describe stage 3 of the decision process?

Careful analysis, determine all possibilities, think of the consequences of these actions, least harm

Describe stage 4 of the decision process?

Choose and justify