Ethical Theories & Principals Part 1: What is Ethics

Introduction to Ethical Theories and Principles

• Overview: This lecture is the first in a series focusing on understanding ethical theories and principles in relation to health professionals.

• Significance: Health professionals frequently overlook the ethical components in their decision-making processes. Mere learning of theories does not ensure ethical character.

• Purpose of Understanding Ethics: Provides a shared language for discussing and making ethical decisions.

Importance of Ethical Frameworks

• Key Quote: "Everyone has an ethical framework. The question is how aware of it are they?"

  • Illustrates the necessity of being aware of one’s ethical perspectives.

• Pre-emptive Reflection: Professionals should clarify their ethical frameworks before encountering dilemmas.

• Personal Reflection:

  • A personal anecdote reflects on past regrettable decisions due to a lack of awareness of ethical implications during early nursing career.

  • Emphasizes the need for continuous reflection on one’s ethical limits and decision-making processes.

Ethical Thinking Complexity

• Misconceptions: A common belief that ethical dilemmas are always clear-cut (right vs. wrong).

• Framework Influence: Ethical thinking is influenced by:

  • Cultural Background: Individual’s societal and cultural surroundings.

  • Personality: Personal traits affecting moral reasoning.

  • Personal Values: Individual beliefs that shape ethical perspectives.

  • Professional Values: Standards and ethics established within one’s profession.

  • Theories and Principles: Various ethical theories influence moral decision-making.

Definition and Scope of Ethics

• What is Ethics?:

  • Defined as the branch of philosophy concerned with human actions and determining what actions are proprio. Ethics examines concepts of right and wrong.

• Relation to Philosophy:

  • Ethics is often studied within philosophical literature, encompassing historical and contemporary discussions.

  • Clarification that this course is not merely a philosophy course but an applied ethics course focused on practical applications in everyday practice.

Distinction Among Key Concepts

• Ethics vs. Morals vs. Values:

  • Ethics: Philosophical exploration of right and wrong.

  • Morals: Rules that govern conduct, often derived from societal norms.

  • Values: Personal beliefs shaped by various life experiences, culture, and faith.

• Bioethics:

  • A subset of ethics that applies ethical principles to health issues.

  • Acknowledgement of bioethics limitations in the broader context of public health.

Role of Moral Agents

• Moral Agent Definition:

  • An agent is defined as one that acts or exerts power (Merriam-Webster).

  • A moral agent is empowered to make ethical choices, influencing public health positively.

• Objective of the Course:

  • Encourage students to see themselves as moral agents, capable of making ethically sound decisions in their practices.

• Team Collaboration:

  • Emphasis on the importance of working together as a team ethically in public health actions.

Overview of Ethical Theories

• Ethical Theories Covered:

  • The course will explore three primary ethical theories in depth, alongside two additional theories:

  • Deontology: Focus on rules and duties.

  • Teleology: Focus on consequences and outcomes.

  • Principalism: Emphasizes shared ethical principles.

  • Virtue Ethics: Centers on the character of the moral agent.

  • Care Ethics: Focus on relationships and responsibilities.

• Next Steps: Students will be expected to review lectures thoroughly as the theories will be elaborated upon in the following sessions.