Ethics Flashcards
Name the 2 levels of moral reasoning according to Kitchener, and explain how they might be used to guide your decision making process, using examples.
Intuitive level. The intuitive level refers to the immediate, pre-reflective response people have to most ethical situations, based on the sum of their prior ethical knowledge and experience. Based on beliefs, knowledge and assumptions.
Critical-Evaluative Level. This model explains that there are different levels of moral reasoning, and that they are hierarchically related. When our intuitive level of morals fail us, or when we are called for justification, we move to the critical level, which is comprised of three levels. If any of those fail us we move to the next one. 1. moral rules (APA) 2. Principles (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity) 3. Ethical Theory
List the 5 factors comprising the ethical principals involved at the critical evaluative level, as posited in the Kitchener article, and give a run down on what they are, and how this could affect ethical decision making.
Autonomy - respecting the person as a free individual to develop their own values and beliefs, and make their own decisions. Consideration of privacy, competency (Infants, developmentally retarded)
Nonmaleficence - Do no harm. Considerations of level of temporary discomfort acceptable when assumptions of long term benefits are assumed.
Beneficence - Do good! Profession has accepted the obligation to increase welfare. Considerations of ‘knowing what is best’ for the client, does one go against the clients wishes if the belief is that it will do them good?
Justice - Be fair. Equal persons have the right to be treated equally, and nonequal have the right to different treatment, if it is relevant.
Fidelity - Being faithful.
Explain how a prima facie approach to moral decision making could be relevant to counselling.
Establishing a obligation to ethical operating, which is held unless there are circumstances in which conflicting or stronger obligations arise.
