Philosophy and Ethics in Health Education: Principles, Theories, and Practice

Philosophy

Originates from Greek: "love of wisdom." Encompasses a person's or group's attitudes, principles, beliefs, and values.

Symmetry Philosophy

Health involves balance among physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects.

Holistic Philosophy

The body and mind are integrated—humans are unified beings.

Wellness Philosophy

Health as a positive, multidimensional state (spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, environmental, and social).

Behavior Change Philosophy

Focuses on modifying habits via goals and contracts.

Cognitive-Based Philosophy

Provides knowledge to encourage informed decisions.

Decision-Making Philosophy

Uses problem-solving and critical thinking.

Freeing or Functioning Philosophy

Encourages people to make their own best health choices.

Social Change Philosophy

Aims for policy, social, and environmental reforms.

Eclectic Philosophy

Combines elements from multiple philosophies to fit the situation.

Ethics

Study of morality (right and wrong).

Morality

Making choices about right/wrong behavior.

Importance of Ethics in Health Education

Ethics plays a central role in all professions, especially those that deal with health.

Common Ethical Issues in Health

Includes genetic engineering, organ donation, end-of-life decisions, welfare, and professional behavior.

Personal and Professional Philosophy

Influences how one promotes health and interacts with others.

Key Questions for Personal Philosophy

Reflect on personal beliefs, values, and experiences.

William Kamkwamba

Example of perseverance and purpose in developing a personal philosophy.

Impact of Philosophy on Health Education

How health educators apply different philosophies in real scenarios.

Julieta's Case

Illustrates how different philosophical approaches can shape intervention strategies.

Philosophy's Role in Health Education

Guides ethical and effective practice.

Health Education Philosophy Goals

Each philosophy aims to improve health but uses different methods.

Ethical behavior

Promotes better mental health, social harmony, and professional trust.

Professional Ethics

Focuses on conduct in professional settings beyond personal morals.

Health education specialists

Must act with honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

Research ethics

Includes voluntary participation, informed consent, and data confidentiality.

Deontology

The means matter more than the end; certain acts are right or wrong regardless of outcomes.

Teleology

The end justifies the means; morality depends on the outcome.

Value of Life

Respect for human life; ethical questions about abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment.

Goodness/Rightness

Aim to do good and avoid harm.

Nonmaleficence

Do no harm.

Beneficence

Do good and show compassion.

Justice (Fairness)

Treat people equally and distribute benefits and burdens fairly.

Truth Telling (Honesty)

Essential for trust and communication.

Individual Freedom (Autonomy)

Respect people's right to make their own moral choices, within limits of the other principles.

Ethical Decision-Making Process

A 10-step process to resolve ethical dilemmas.

Define the problem

Identify ethical issues.

Identify who will be affected

Recognize stakeholders in the ethical dilemma.

Reflect on personal and professional goals

Consider how personal values align with professional responsibilities.

Identify alternative actions

Explore different courses of action available.

Consider consequences

Evaluate the potential outcomes of each alternative.

Evaluate nature of alternatives

Determine which actions are right or wrong.

Reflect on yourself

Consider your own values in the decision-making process.

Reflect on society/environment

Think about the broader societal implications of your decision.

Apply the categorical imperative

Ask, 'Would I want everyone to act this way?'

Choose, act, and evaluate results

Make a decision, take action, and assess the outcome.

Example Case: 'Anne'

A health educator faces an ethical dilemma about an employee with alcohol abuse.

Five Professional Obligations

Duties to provide services fairly, to clients, to third parties, to employers, and to the profession.

Ensuring Ethical Behavior

Achieved through education, credentialing, professional codes, and peer accountability.

Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession

Sets standards for conduct, confidentiality, diversity, and respect.