Ethics †Terms to know Essay

Worldview–The way the world is seen & made sense of; framework of individual understanding. e.g. Deism – God abandoned creation Nihilism – Reality has no value; traditional values unfounded Existentialism – Life has no meaning but what we give it Eastern Pantheism – Polytheism, i.e. Hinduism Naturalism – Secular humanism / modernism; God is irrelevant–nothing exists but natural world New Age Pantheism – All is one; no distinction between plants, people; all are God Judeo-Christianity – There is only one God who created universe; God is involved w/ creation Post Modernism – God is dead; truth is a social construct; relativism prevails Ethics–The explicit, philosophical reflection on moral beliefs and practices. (The difference between ethics and morality is similar to the difference between musicology and music. Ethics is a conscious stepping back and reflecting on morality, just as musicology is a conscious reflection on music). Descriptive Ethics–Stating actual moral beliefs. Normative Ethics–Study of what is really right or wrong. Metaethics–Study about field of Ethics. Metaethics Theories Objectivism–There are correct and incorrect answers. Subjectivism–There are no correct or incorrect answers. Absolutism–All moral rules hold without exception–there is only one truth; opposite of relativism, contrasts with consequentialism. Rights–Justified claims upon other(s) for actions or non-actions. Negative Obligation (Right)–An obligation to refrain from something or entitlements to do something without interference from other people. See also autonomy. Positive Obligation (Right)–An obligation to perform / provide, etc., or entitlements that obligate others to do something positive to assist you. In rem–Universal rights (obligations fall on all moral agents). In personam–Restricted rights (obligations fall on selected individuals). General Obligations–moral requirements of all moral beings. Role-related Obligations–moral requirements of specific roles, e.g. MD, priest, etc. Strong Paternalism–Forced acts of beneficence on person able to decide. Weak Paternalism–Forced acts of beneficence on person unable to decide. Negative Paternalism–Refraining from doing something to/for someone. 4 Main Ethical Principles / Values Nonmaleficence–Do no harm; (Primum non nocere – first, do no harm); a negative right. Beneficence–Do good; promoting the welfare of others; actively avoiding harm; a positive right. Autonomy–Non-interference with other’s choices and freedom to make choices / self determination. Justice / Social Justice–Equal treatment for all. Ethical Systems Theories (*Related concepts) *Consequentialism–The end justifies the means; the rightness or wrongness of any action depends on its consequences. *Utilitarianism (act)–To act in a beneficial way based strictly on the good consequences for the most people; case-by-case analysis of each act. *Utilitarianism (rule)– To act in a beneficial way (with good consequences for the most people) based on moral rules; categorical imperative? Deontologism–It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game; some actions are right or wrong regardless of their consequences; contrasts with consequentialism. Relativism–it all depends–all points of view are equally valid. Also: When in Rome, do as the Romans do (cultural relativism). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (personal relativism). *Doctrine of Double Effect–intention is everything; concerns only intended means or ends, not actual means or ends even if predictable (i.e. chemo side-F/Xs). Patient Relationship Models Engineering Model–Just the facts, ma’am; healthcare professionals as scientists presenting facts–patients make decisions based on these facts. Paternalistic Model–Do what I say; decisions are made by healthcare professionals. Contractual Model–Let’s make a deal; healthcare professionals give information–assist patients in decision-making by making recommendations. Confidentiality–Not divulging information which another has revealed on condition of secrecy; patient’s right to privacy (of information). Deontological Argument for the Obligation of Confidentiality–Respecting confidentiality respects patient autonomy. Consequentialistic Argument for the Obligation of Confidentiality–Respecting confidentiality protects and promotes well-being of patients. 3 Accepted Exceptions for Divulging a Patient Confidence–Patient not competent, required by law, protect public interest. Truth Telling (Veracity)–Obligation to tell the truth. Consequentialistic Case for Telling and Withholding the Truth–Do what will most benefit/least harm patient; truth-telling / withholding truth context dependent. 3 (actually 4) Possible Exceptions to the Truth-Telling Rule–Family request, patient request, for the good of others (less so now), avoiding disastrous consequences (extreme cases). 5 Elements of Informed Consent–Competence, information disclosure, understanding, voluntariness, and authorization.