Ethics - Terms to know Essay Example for Free

Ethics Terms to know Essay WorldviewThe 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 irrelevantnothing 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 EthicsThe 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 EthicsStating actual moral beliefs. Normative EthicsStudy of what is really right or wrong. MetaethicsStudy about field of Ethics. Metaethics Theories ObjectivismThere are correct and incorrect answers. SubjectivismThere are no correct or incorrect answers. AbsolutismAll moral rules hold without exceptionthere is only one truth; opposite of relativism, contrasts with consequentialism. RightsJustified 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 remUniversal rights (obligations fall on all moral agents). In personamRestricted rights (obligations fall on selected individuals). General Obligationsmoral requirements of all moral beings. Role-related Obligationsmoral requirements of specific roles, e.g. MD, priest, etc. Strong PaternalismForced acts of beneficence on person able to decide. Weak PaternalismForced acts of beneficence on person unable to decide. Negative PaternalismRefraining from doing something to/for someone. 4 Main Ethical Principles / Values NonmaleficenceDo no harm; (Primum non nocere first, do no harm); a negative right. BeneficenceDo good; promoting the welfare of others; actively avoiding harm; a positive right. AutonomyNon-interference with others choices and freedom to make choices / self determination. Justice / Social JusticeEqual treatment for all. Ethical Systems Theories (*Related concepts) *ConsequentialismThe 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? DeontologismIts not whether you win or lose, its how you play the game; some actions are right or wrong regardless of their consequences; contrasts with consequentialism. Relativismit all dependsall 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 Effectintention 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 ModelJust the facts, maam; healthcare professionals as scientists presenting factspatients make decisions based on these facts. Paternalistic ModelDo what I say; decisions are made by healthcare professionals. Contractual ModelLets make a deal; healthcare professionals give informationassist patients in decision-making by making recommendations. ConfidentialityNot divulging information which another has revealed on condition of secrecy; patients right to privacy (of information). Deontological Argument for the Obligation of ConfidentialityRespecting confidentiality respects patient autonomy. Consequentialistic Argument for the Obligation of ConfidentialityRespecting confidentiality protects and promotes well-being of patients. 3 Accepted Exceptions for Divulging a Patient ConfidencePatient not competent, required by law, protect public interest. Truth Telling (Veracity)Obligation to tell the truth. Consequentialistic Case for Telling and Withholding the TruthDo what will most benefit/least harm patient; truth-telling / withholding truth context dependent. 3 (actually 4) Possible Exceptions to the Truth-Telling RuleFamily request, patient request, for the good of others (less so now), avoiding disastrous consequences (extreme cases). 5 Elements of Informed ConsentCompetence, information disclosure, understanding, voluntariness, and authorization.