Week 1 Notes Flashcards
What is the other name for utilitarianism?
Also known as consequentialism
Who developed utilitarianism as we know it today?
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
What is the utilitarian approach?
The approach to morality implies that no moral act is intrinsically right or wrong. It states the rightness or wrongness of an actin solely a matter of the overall non-moral good (eg., pleasure, happiness, health, knowledge, or satisfaction of individual desire) produced in the consequences of doing that act or following that rule.
What is the main problem with utilitarianism?
It can be used to justify immoral things.
What is deontology?
Deontological ethics is in keeping with natural moral law and intuitions from common sense.
What is the etymology of the word “deontological”?
It is Greek, coming from the word “deon” meaning binding duty.
Does utilitarianism believe morality is instrumental or intrinsic?
Instrumental
Does deontology believe morality is instrumental or intrinsic?
Intrinsic
Where does the word ethics come from?
The Greek word ethos meaning character, customs or habitual usage
Name some things that ethics are based on
Intuition Codes of practice, policies Medical authority Professional etiquette Law Religion Public opinion
Who started ethics?
Pythagoras
What is ontology?
A brand of metaphysics that focuses on the nature of being
Define “absolutism”
Leaves little room for grey areas, believes strongly in one thing or another.
Define “relativisim”
The belief that morality is inherent to the social context of the surroundings. That it is relative and not absolute.
Define “proportionalism”
Asserts that one can determine the right course of action by weighing up the good and the necessary evil caused by the action. As a result, proportionalism aims to choose the lesser of evils.
What is teleology?
Deontology with an end goal in mind essentially.
What is law?
Law is a binding set of rules in the form of contracts and regulations, that provide guidance for health care professionals. Patients retain the right to refuse treatment under law (excluding some situations, eg. mental health), and when laws are broken it is punishable by the authority.
What governing body has the ethics board for nursing?
NMBA
Which ethical principle does patients right to refuse medication fall under?
Autonomy
What is a dilemma?
A dilemma is a situation where you have two or more possible outcomes, neither of which is really desirable.
When did the ethical guidelines of practice originate?
1953
When were the ethical practice guidelines last updated?
2008
What do the ethical practice guidelines do?
They address the fundamental values and commitments that relate to ethical obligations, duties, standards, law. They promote ethical analysis and decision making in clinical situations.
What is bioethics?
Concerned with the ethical issues arising from healthcare, biological and medical sciences. It is triggered by, and a response to , the new scientific/tech developments in biomedical and life sciences.
What are some examples of areas of ethical debate?
Termination of pregnancy, contraception Organ donation and transplantation Euthanasia IVF Cloning and stem cell research Genetic engineering Palliative care
Define “utilitarianism”
The theory that acts that you undertake must produce the best available consequences. The greatest good for the greatest number.
What are some weaknesses of utilitarianism?
That the ends are seen to justify the means, essentially sometimes justifying horrific acts. Others include:
How do you measure happiness?
Personal choice influences
Calculating good and bad is time consuming
What is the main benefit of utilitarianism?
It provides the greatest good for the greatest number
Utilitarianism is a form of which larger philosophy?
Teleology
What is deontology?
The theory that you are duty bound. Duty comes from relationships, eg. The nurse patient relationship.
What are some weaknesses of deontology?
It is very burdensome. You are burdened with the care of any individual you have a relationship with. Others include:
Removal of responsibility with removal of contact
Can cause conflicts, eg. Two duties of equal need.
Doing the right thing in every scenario does not always have the most favourable outcome
What is the main strength of deontology?
It is much more personalised than the approach utilitarianism takes, with the good for all. Others include:
Specific rules make it easy to follow.
Absolve the individual
Can be good for the individual as it provides the ability to serve yourself
Who was the proponent of deontology?
Emmanuel Kant 1724 - 1804
What is the best approach to take to any ethical dilemma? deontological od utilitarian?
A combination of the two
What are some factors that influence ethical dilemmas?
Your perception of your level of influence
Degree of ethical concern
Past experiences with ethics
Level of clinical expertise and competence
What are the 6 questions in the decision making process for ethics?
What is my duty in this particular circumstance?
Will my actions produce the best available outcome for all those involved?
Will my actions cause harm? (Nonmaleficence)
Am I going to do or promote good? (Beneficence)
Am I respecting my patients wishes? (Autonomy)
Are my actions fair? (Justice)
