Ethical Theoretical Perspectives

Question 1

Introduction to Ethical Theory

Answer 1

Philosophers of the past developed theories and identified principles grounded in a “reasoned” or “rational” approach to ethical decision-making.

Question 2

Rationality

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Define ethics.

Answer 3

The philosophical study of morality, is the systematic exploration of what is morally right and wrong.

Question 4

Define ethical theory.

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Define biomedical ethics.

Answer 5

Explore the ethical question and moral issues associated with health care.

Question 6

Define nursing ethics.

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Define applied ethics.

Answer 7

The field of ethics in which these theories and principles are applied to actual moral problems.

Question 8

Define morality.

Answer 8

The tradition of beliefs and norms within a culture or society about right and wrong human conduct. It includes non-normative and normative ethics.

Question 9

What is non-normative ethics?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

What is normative ethics?

Answer 10

Attempts are made to identify the basic principles and virtues that guide morality.

Question 11

Define ethical dilemmas.

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Define moral distress.

Answer 12

Results when we are not able to face these issues and deal effectively with them.

Question 13

Define values.

Answer 13

A value is an ideal that has meaning or importance to an individual, a group or society.

Question 14

What influences values?

Answer 14

• Individual beliefs and opinions.

- Behaviours, rituals, rules and laws as a collective society.

Question 15

What is a value clarification?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What is value conflict?

Answer 16

Arise when personal actions or the actions of others are at odds with beliefs.

Question 17

Death of Socrates

Answer 17

Socratic Method - Plato and Aristotle

Provide frameworks and rules to determine right and wrong.

Two traditional categories: teleology and deontology.

Question 18

Teleological Theories

Answer 18

Consider outcomes and consequences (immediate and long-term) of decisions and actions.

Best known theory is utilitarianism.

Question 19

Utilitarianism

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Deontological Theory Criticism

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Who is W.D. Ross?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Beauchamps and Childress (2001) Principles

Answer 22

o	Sanctity of life
o	Autonomy
o	Nonmaleficence
o	Beneficience
o	Justice
o	Fidelity
o	Veracity

Question 23

What did Carol Gilligan study?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What is feminine ethics?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

What is the ethic of care?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

What is narrative ethics?

Answer 26

Narrative ethics encourages the sharing of real stories (not case studies).

Provide a clearer understanding of the ethical issues and challenges embedded in them.

Question 27

What does CNA outline as a code of deontology?

Answer 27

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