Medical Ethics

EthicsEthics

A subfield of philosophy

Aims to clarify the nature of Right and wrong Good and bad

Clarifies justification of ethical ideas

Tells us how we ought to behave

Why bother with itWhy bother with it

Helps us with difficult decisions / ethical dilemmas

Helps you understand other people’s view point

Helps you understand your own view point

Major theoriesMajor theories

Deontology and utilitarianism

Four principles

Rights based ethics

Virtue ethics

Deontology – the science Deontology – the science of dutyof duty

The morality of an action is intrinsic to the action itself rather than the consequences

e.g. Killing is bad because the act of killing is wrong, regardless of the outcome

Any rule that applies to you should apply to everyone – and no one should be treated as the means to an end (Kant)

Utilitarianism – Utilitarianism – maximising benefitmaximising benefit

People should act in a way that will bring about the best possible outcomes overall

“The greatest happiness of the greatest number”

Whether an action is right or wrong depends on the outcome

Four Principles – the Dr’s Four Principles – the Dr’s aidaid

Respect for autonomy – let people decide for themselves

Non-maleficence – do no harm

Beneficence – do good

Justice – be equitable

Rights – giving people Rights – giving people their duetheir due

People have justified claims on others and society.

Rights can be: Universal (apply to everybody) eg the right to be free Special moral rights (apply to some and not others) eg

if Peter lends Tom money, Peter has a right to be paid by Tom

Positive (the right to receive particular goods/services) eg to receive free emergency health care

Negative (the right to be free from certain actions by others) eg to refuse immunisation

Virtue EthicsVirtue Ethics

Focuses on the person carrying out the action rather than the action itself

Importance of the virtues of the individual - good character, conscience and integrity

Certain virtues can be attached to professional roles eg doctor’s role

Perceived to be good = praiseworthy

Perceived to be bad = blameworthy

NowNow

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