Healthcare-Ethics-Report

Theories and Principles of Health Ethics

Introduction to Health Ethics

• BSN 2202 - GROUP E overview of theories and principles in health ethics.

Ethical Theories Overview

• Key ethical theories discussed:

  • Deontology: Duty-oriented ethics.

  • Teleology: Consequence-oriented theories.

  • Utilitarianism: Focus on maximizing good outcomes.

  • Virtue Ethics: Focus on character development.

Deontology

Definition and Principles

• Deontological ethics emphasize intrinsic nature of an act.

• Moral Value: Does not change based on context.

• Duty (Deontological): Obligations guiding moral actions.

Kant’s Ethics

• Kant’s principle: Actions are moral if they stem from duty.

  • Types of duties:

    • Perfect Duty: Obligations that must always be followed.

    • Imperfect Duty: Aspirational duties.

• Categorical Imperative: Universal principles applied without exceptions.

• Maxim: "Treat others as ends and not means."

Duty-Oriented Reasoning Process

1. Describe the problem.

2. List possible solutions.

3. Compare solutions with principles.

   • Complying solutions are valid.

   • In case of conflict, rank principles.

John Rawl’s Theory of Justice

Conceptual Framework

• Focuses on social morality as foundation for justice.

• Veil of Ignorance: Decision-making without bias towards personal characteristics.

  • Strategy that favors the disadvantaged.

Principles of Justice

1. Equal Access: Basic human rights and liberties.

2. Fair Opportunity: Addressing socio-economic inequalities.

Four Types of Justice in Human Relations

• Fairness: Ethical dealings with others.

• Fidelity: Keeping obligations.

• Respect for Persons: Acknowledging others' rights.

• Beneficence: Promoting good among others.

Ross Ethics

Overview of Ross's Position

• Critique of Kant’s rigidity; integrates situational factors.

• Moral Action: Tied to intentions rather than just actions themselves.

• Actual Duty: The correct choice among alternatives.

• Prima Facie Duty: Duties to be considered based on specific circumstances.

Principles for Conflicting Duties

1. Follow the stronger prima facie duty.

2. Balance between rightness and wrongness among duties.

Natural Law Ethics

Principles and Theories

• Claims existence of laws evident through human reason.

• Emphasizes preservation of natural order.

  • Good is to be pursued, evil is to be avoided.

Determinants of Moral Action

1. Object: Action being evaluated.

2. Circumstances: Conditions that influence the moral character of the action.

Moral Imperatives

• Acts that support life and natural processes are mandated; undermining these is considered immoral.

Teleology

Consequence-Oriented Ethical Theories

• Promotes evaluation of actions based on outcomes.

• Principle of Utility: Maximizing good outcomes as the measure of ethical action.

Situation Ethics

• Advocated by Joseph Fletcher.

• Love as the central moral principle guiding decisions.

Types of Teleological Theories

1. Eudaimonism: Focus on flourishing.

2. Pragmatism: Action grounded in practical outcomes.

3. Utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill's contributions to consequentialist ethics.

Utilitarianism

Overview

• Asserts that actions are judged by their contribution to overall happiness and reduction of suffering.

• Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism:

  • Act: Evaluates individual actions based on utility.

  • Rule: Evaluates rules that promote overall happiness.

Criticisms of Utilitarianism

• Risks neglecting personal rights for group welfare.

• Failure to consider all consequences or moral obligations.

• Potential to justify morally questionable actions for the sake of overall utility.

Virtue Ethics

Overview of Virtue Ethics

• Focuses on right character more than specific actions.

• Facilitates lifelong cultivation of virtuous traits through habitual practice.

Aristotle’s Perspective

• Eudaimonia: The ultimate goal of life is happiness through virtuous living.

• Golden Mean: Virtue is found between extremes.

Application in Healthcare Ethics

• Emphasizes not just treatment but overall patient flourishing and well-being.

The Ethics of Care

• Developed by Carol Gilligan, emphasizes relationship dynamics over abstract principles, stressing virtues like empathy and responsiveness.

Vices and Habits in Healthcare

Understanding Vices

• Vices reflect moral failures and are cultivated through bad habits.

  • Examples include fraud, greed, and pride.

• Healthcare implications: Maintaining integrity and trust in practice.

Importance of Virtues and Habits

• Essential for consistent and compassionate patient care.

• Building trust enhances professionalism and decision-making in healthcare.