traditional ethical theories and principles

Question 1

State three traditional ethical theories

Answer 1

• Deontology
• Consequentialism
• Virtual

Question 2

Consequentialism

Answer 2

• Proposes that an action is morally right if it results in the greatest good for the greatest number.

Question 3

Deontology

Answer 3

According to this view, there are certain moral rules and duties that should always be followed.

Question 4

Virtue

Answer 4

This perspective prioritizes the significance of one’s character and virtues over adherence to rules or consideration of outcomes,

Question 5

modifications of traditional theories

Answer 5

• Social construct theory
• The ethics of care
• Rights based ethics
• Principle based ethics

Question 5

Social construct theory

Answer 5

• 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

Question 5

Ethics of care

Answer 5

This theory acknowledges that right actions for one patient in a particular situation may be inappropriate for other patients or in different circumstances.

Question 6

Rights-based ethics

Answer 6

suggests that the rights of patients or some individuals place duties on others.

Question 6

Principle based ethics(principlism)

Answer 6

• This theory combines ethical principles & attempts
  to resolve ethical dilemmas by applying one or more ethical
  principles.

Question 6

Ethical principles

Answer 6

• Provide a basic analytical framework that can help health workers
  make decisions in for clinical practice.

Question 7

Six ethical principles

Answer 7

• Beneficence
• Non-maleficence
• Veracity
• Justice
• Fidelity
• Autonomy

Question 8

Beneficence(Goodness)

Answer 8

• The obligation to act for the benefit of others

Question 9

Autonomy(self determination)

Answer 9

Respect of one’s personal decisions

Question 9

Justice (fairness)

Answer 9

• An obligation to act with equity
• All persons must be treated equally or receiving equal benefits
  according to needs.

Question 9

Veracity(truth)

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

Fidelity(faithfulness)

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

Non-maleficence (No evil)

Answer 11

• Above all, do no harm-primum non nocere
• Do no evil, an obligation not to inflict harm

Question 12

In addition to the 6 common principles

Answer 12

• Confidentiality
• Sanctity of life
• Respect of property
• Double-effect

Question 13

Confidentiality(privacy)

Answer 13

Duty to respect privileged information.

Question 13

Respect for property

Answer 13

• 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.

Question 13

Double-effect

Answer 13

• Some actions may produce both a good and a bad effect.

regarded as the combined effect of beneficence
and non-maleficence

Question 14

Paternalism/parentalism

Answer 14

The attitude that sometimes prompts healthcare workers to make decisions
regarding a person’s care without consulting the person affected

Question 15

Ethical analysis is a process involving four basic steps

Answer 15

• Identify the problem
• Develop alternative solutions
• Select the best solution
• Defend your selection

Question 16

Define moral virtual

Answer 16

A character trait that is morally valued e g truthness and kindness