Veterinary Ethics Flashcards
What is Ethics?
Set of beliefs that society, individuals or subgroups of society hold about, right vs wrong, good vs bad etc.
Consequentialism/Utilitarianism
The goodness of an action can be defined by its consequences
Deontology
The rightness or wrongness of an action can be summarised by the action itself regardless of consequences
Virtue ethics
Unconcerned with the action, just create good people who will do good things
Divine Command theory
follow your religion (not always clear cut)
Situation ethics
no two situations are the same
Contractarian view
»This view assumes that ethical obligations result as contracts between people.
» Each of us has our own view and have the right to follow that.
» However occasionally we need cooperation from other people.
»This moral theory has its origins in social contract theory
Utilitarian View
- Greatest good for the greatest number.
- Animals deserve welfare consideration.
- Killing animals may be justified if it done humanely.
Relational view
This view recognises the importance of
relationship between individuals.
» We have more responsibility for
domestic animals as we have a closer
relationship to them.
» Under this ethical view we have no duty
towards vermin.
»This view may promote getting rid of
vermin efficiently
Animal Rights View
»This contrasts to the utilitarian
view.
» This view holds that good
results for the greatest number
(of people) do not justify
inhumane treatment of animals.
» It holds that animals have rights
just like human rights.
Respect for Nature View
»This belief promotes that we should
respect not only animals, but all species.
» When a species becomes extinct, it is
not the resources lost that is the issue, it
is the species itself.
»This view also challenges selective
breeding as an acceptable practice.
What is a moral dilemma?
»When conflict exists between different actions, where choosing either option
will result in a moral transgression by precluding the other.
»Also called “ethical dilemma”.
Moral distress
» In the medical context: A feeling of unease where malalignment exists
between moral principles and an institutionally enforced course of action.
* Can result from acting or failing to act as outlined above.
* Can also result from witnessing action or non-action
What are Rollins Five Duties as a Vet
» Duty to Animal
» Duty to Client
» Duty to the Profession
» Duty to Society
» Duty to themselves
What is the ‘Social Contract’
Society places trust in us as a result of our experience, expertise and judgement
