Ethical Theories

Focuses on results of an action

Consequentialism/utilitarianism

An action is right when it creates the most good and least harm for the greatest number of people

Consequentialism/utilitarianism

Adding a fluoride to community water helps prevent tooth decay for many people at a low cost

Consequentialism/utilitarianism

DH respects a pts right to refuse tx even if it might harm their health b/c it honors the pts auonomy and freedom to choose

Non-consequentialism/Deontology/Kantian Ethics

Focuses on the duty/rule of itself, NOT outcome

Non-consequentialism/Deontology/Kantian Ethics

An action is right when it follows moral principles or a person’s duty, even if the results aren’t good

Non-consequentialism/Deontology/Kantian Ethics

Focuses on goodness and character of the person making the decisions

Virtue/character ethics

Being ethical means acting out of good habits and virtues like honesty or kindness rather than just following rules or thinking about results

Virtue/character ethics

DH who is honest, caring, and compassionate toward pts and acts ethically through their good character and moral habits, not JUST “following the rules”

Virtue/character ethics

Duty based ethics

Deontology/Kantian ethics

Ethical theory that promotes actions

Utilitarianism/Consequentialism

Focusing on moral character

Virtue/character ethics