traditional ethical theories and principles Flashcards
State three traditional ethical theories
- Deontology
- Consequentialism
- Virtual
Consequentialism
- Proposes that an action is morally right if it results in the greatest good for the greatest number.
Deontology
According to this view, there are certain moral rules and duties that should always be followed.
Virtue
This perspective prioritizes the significance of one’s character and virtues over adherence to rules or consideration of outcomes,
modifications of traditional theories
- Social construct theory
- The ethics of care
- Rights based ethics
- Principle based ethics
Social construct theory
- Holds that certain persons or groups have relationships that
contain inbuilt expectations, duties and obligations. - Example:
- Patients expect radiographers to minimize radiation exposure &
radiographers expect patients to cooperate by holding still
Ethics of care
This theory acknowledges that right actions for one patient in a particular situation may be inappropriate for other patients or in different circumstances.
Rights-based ethics
suggests that the rights of patients or some individuals place duties on others.
Principle based ethics(principlism)
- This theory combines ethical principles & attempts
to resolve ethical dilemmas by applying one or more ethical
principles.
Ethical principles
- Provide a basic analytical framework that can help health workers
make decisions in for clinical practice.
Six ethical principles
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Veracity
- Justice
- Fidelity
- Autonomy
Beneficence(Goodness)
- The obligation to act for the benefit of others
Autonomy(self determination)
Respect of one’s personal decisions
Justice (fairness)
- An obligation to act with equity
- All persons must be treated equally or receiving equal benefits
according to needs.
Veracity(truth)
- An obligation to tell the truth
- Be honest in all aspects of one’s professional life
- One must be honest with patients, co-workers, and oneself
Fidelity(faithfulness)
- An obligation to loyal or faithful
- The duty to fulfil one’s commitment
- Applies to keeping promises both stated and implied
- Do not promise patients results that can not be achieved
Non-maleficence (No evil)
- Above all, do no harm-primum non nocere
- Do no evil, an obligation not to inflict harm
In addition to the 6 common principles
- Confidentiality
- Sanctity of life
- Respect of property
- Double-effect
Confidentiality(privacy)
Duty to respect privileged information.
Respect for property
- Keeping patient’s belongings safe
- Respect the ownership of property.
- Do not intentionally damage or waste equipment or supplies
with which one works rather take care of it.
Double-effect
- Some actions may produce both a good and a bad effect.
regarded as the combined effect of beneficence
and non-maleficence
Paternalism/parentalism
The attitude that sometimes prompts healthcare workers to make decisions
regarding a person’s care without consulting the person affected
Ethical analysis is a process involving four basic steps
- Identify the problem
- Develop alternative solutions
- Select the best solution
- Defend your selection
Define moral virtual
A character trait that is morally valued e g truthness and kindness
