Ethical Theoretical Perspectives Flashcards
Introduction to Ethical Theory
Philosophers of the past developed theories and identified principles grounded in a “reasoned” or “rational” approach to ethical decision-making.
Rationality
Related to the notion of thinking and reasoning. It is associated with comprehension, intelligence, or inference, especially when an inference or a conclusion can be made from a though process.
Define ethics.
The philosophical study of morality, is the systematic exploration of what is morally right and wrong.
Define ethical theory.
The study of the nature and justification of general ethical principles that can be applied to moral problems. Provides more rigorous and systemic approach about how we make decisions about what is right and wrong.
Define biomedical ethics.
Explore the ethical question and moral issues associated with health care.
Define nursing ethics.
Focuses on the moral questions within the sphere of nursing practice, the nurse-patient or nurse-client relationship, the moral character of nurses and the nurse as a moral agent.
Define applied ethics.
The field of ethics in which these theories and principles are applied to actual moral problems.
Define morality.
The tradition of beliefs and norms within a culture or society about right and wrong human conduct. It includes non-normative and normative ethics.
What is non-normative ethics?
Includes the fields of descriptive ethics and meta-ethics. Descriptive gathers factual descriptions and explanations of moral behaviours and beliefs looking at a wide range of moral beliefs and behaviours: moral attitude, codes, beliefs.
What is normative ethics?
Attempts are made to identify the basic principles and virtues that guide morality.
Define ethical dilemmas.
Arise when the best course of action is unclear and when strong moral reasons support each position. The involved parties must choose between the most right and the least wrong.
Define moral distress.
Results when we are not able to face these issues and deal effectively with them.
Define values.
A value is an ideal that has meaning or importance to an individual, a group or society.
What influences values?
- Individual beliefs and opinions.
- Behaviours, rituals, rules and laws as a collective society.
What is a value clarification?
An ongoing process through which individuals come to understand the values they hold and their relative importance.
The process requires: open discussion, active listening and mutual respect.
What is value conflict?
Arise when personal actions or the actions of others are at odds with beliefs.
Death of Socrates
Socratic Method - Plato and Aristotle
Provide frameworks and rules to determine right and wrong.
Two traditional categories: teleology and deontology.
Teleological Theories
Consider outcomes and consequences (immediate and long-term) of decisions and actions.
Best known theory is utilitarianism.
Utilitarianism
There are no absolute rules to judge right and wrong.
An action is right if it leads to the greatest good and the least harm for the greatest number of people.
Deontological Theory Criticism
Morality of an action should be based on whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules, rather than based on the consequences of the action.
Who is W.D. Ross?
A British philosopher who, in an attempt to resolve the problem of conflicting duties in Kantian ethics, developed a more pluralistic theory.
His revised theory identified prima facie duties that must override other duties.
Beauchamps and Childress (2001) Principles
o Sanctity of life o Autonomy o Nonmaleficence o Beneficience o Justice o Fidelity o Veracity
What did Carol Gilligan study?
Carol Gilligan’s 1988 study of moral development challenges the notion that there is one superior way to think about moral problems- that is, in terms of abstract and general notions of duty, justice, and rights.
What is feminine ethics?
The goal of feminists ethics is to create a plan or ideology that will end the social and political oppression of women.
Women make ethical choices based on different values, perceptions, and concerns than men.
Women use empathetic reasoning to find a solution where everyone’s needs are met.
What is the ethic of care?
The “ethic of care” approach evolved from feminine ethics.
The approach encourages spontaneous caring for others.
An ethic of care is relational, contextual, empathetic, and values feelings, emotions, empathy, and care.
What is narrative ethics?
Narrative ethics encourages the sharing of real stories (not case studies).
Provide a clearer understanding of the ethical issues and challenges embedded in them.
What does CNA outline as a code of deontology?
Providing safe, compassionate, competent, and ethical care
Promoting health and well-being
Promoting and respecting informed decision making
Preserving dignity
Maintaining privacy and confidentiality
Promoting justice
Being accountable
