In-Depth Notes on Ethics in the Pandemic

Overview of Ethics During the Pandemic

• Discussion focused on Kantian and utilitarian ethics in the context of resource distribution during the pandemic.
• Recognition of real-life applications of ethical theories.

Utilitarian Ethics

• Utilitarian ethics was utilized for distributing scarce resources such as ventilators.
• Ethical dilemmas arose regarding how to prioritize who receives care and resources.
• Critiques of utilitarianism: it risks sacrificing vulnerable populations for greater societal good (e.g., elderly, disabled individuals).

Key Discussion Points

• Evaluate the effectiveness of utilitarian ethics in pandemic-driven scenarios.
• Insights from various articles and personal reflections on ethical frameworks employed during crisis.
• Limitations of relying solely on utilitarianism in moral decision-making.

Example Case: Kukla's Article

• Elliott Kukla shared his experience as a disabled rabbi during the pandemic, highlighting:
  • Perception of disabled lives as "disposable" in healthcare discussions.
  • Critique of the utilitarian argument which overlooks the value of every life, especially for vulnerable individuals.
  • Historical references to marginalization of disabled individuals, such as Holocaust context.

Critique of the Discriminative Framework

• Utilitarian decisions can lead to prejudiced outcomes, prioritizing lives deemed more valuable based on health or age.
• Discussion centered around societal attitudes toward the elderly and disabled, raising ethical concerns about their treatment during crisis situations.

Ethical Dilemmas Encountered by Healthcare Workers

• Examine the moral trauma faced by frontline workers when making life-and-death decisions regarding patient care.
• Suggestions by medical ethicists to alleviate burdens on healthcare providers by assigning triage decisions to dedicated personnel.

Transition to Care Ethics

• Introduction of care ethics as a valuable alternative to traditional ethical frameworks.
• Care ethics emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals' needs in ethical decision-making, contrasting with the more rigid structures of Kantian and utilitarian ethics.
• Discussion of notable philosophers (e.g., Carol Gilligan) who contributed to developing care ethics.

Classroom Activities and Reflections

• Engaged students in brainstorming definitions and attributes associated with "care," highlighting:
  • Care as feeling and action.
  • Synonyms such as support, nurturing, and compassion.
• Emphasis on relational aspects of care, advocating that ethics should prioritize interpersonal relationships and the needs of others.

Conclusion

• Reflect on the evolution of ethical discussions and how pandemics reveal deeper issues around care, value of life, and moral responsibility.
• Importance of recognizing the human aspect in philosophical discussions on ethics going forward.