Ethical Foundations Flashcards
What is ethics?
- knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do
- system of moral beliefs that deal with the concepts of right and wrong
What are morals/morality?
- a sense of right and wrong
- related to your values, duty and character
How many types of morality are there?
3
What is personal morality?
values and principles individuals personally live by and believe to be morally right and sound
What is group morality?
values that are adopted as part of a self-selected subgroup
What is societal morality?
what our society approves of being right and acceptable
What can influence our personal ethics and morals?
- personal/spiritual/religious values
- authority figures
- family
- cultures
- social norms
- personal experiences
What is the teleological theory?
- focuses on the effect, consequences, or end result
- minimizing adverse consequences while bringing about the greatest good
- ‘the end justifies the means’
What is the deontological theory?
- focuses on the rules without particular concern for the consequences
- forms the basis for religious commandments/ edicts, codes of conduct, and societal laws
What are biomedical ethics?
- field of study and professional practice interested in ethical issues related to health
- field grows with advances in medical technology
Why are ethics in health care unique?
- patients are more vulnerable to exploitation
- delivery of health care to patients is often necessary on an emergency basis
- consequences of bad decisions have the potential to be life altering
How many ethical principles are there?
6
What is ethical principle 1?
Autonomy - self-determination that is free from controlling interferences by others and personal limitations preventing meaningful choice
What is ethical principle 2?
Beneficence - patient care is in the best interest of the patient
What is ethical principle 3?
Non-maleficence - providing care without doing harm by omission or commission
