Ethical Theories Chapter 2 Dr Fatmeh Alzoubi Feb 14, 2013

Scenario Following a motor vehicle crash, the parents refuse to permit withdrawal of life support from the child with no apparent brain function. Although the nurse believes the child should be allowed to die and organ donation considered, the nurse supports their decision. Which moral principle provides the best basis for the nurse’s actions?

What is ethical theory? Why we need it? Ethical theories are the foundations of ethical analysis because they are the viewpoints from which guidance can be obtained along the pathway to a decision. Address the questions of What is good, Why it is good, and Where the good is allocated? Ethical theories provide a framework for cohesive and consistent ethical reasoning and decision making

What is philosophy Is the intense and critical examination of- beliefs and assumptions -Moral philosophy is defined as the philosophical discussion of what is considered good or bad, right or wrong in terms of ethical issues -It offers principles for deciding what actions and qualities are most worthwhile

Branches of Philosophy (Raphael, 1994) 1) Philosophy of knowledge Knowledge, reality, logic, science, mind 2) Philosophy of practice Social and political philosophy, law philosophy

Philosophical Basis for Ethical Theroires (Raphael, 1994) Naturalism: is a view of moral judgment that regards ethics as dependent upon human nature and psychology. Suggesting that collectively, all people have a tendency to make similar ethical decisions Rationalism: feelings or perception in many people may not be actually similar, ethical values can be known to humans through the process of reasoning

The main ethical theories 1-Telelogy 2-Deontology 3-Intuitionism 4-Ethics of caring 5-Virtue ethics

Teleology (utilitarianism) Focuses on the end result or consequences of the behaviors in judging whether that action is right or wrong and not on the behaviors themselves, thus called (consequentialist).

Teleology (utilitarianism) Teleological theory includes also the concept of Utilitarianism which holding that the proper course of action is the one that maximizes the overall "good" for the greatest number of individuals. "the greatest good for the greatest number", John Stuart Mill

Teleology (utilitarianism) Act- utilitarianism: Suggests that people choose actions that will in any given circumstances increase the overall good Rule- utilitarianism: suggests that people choose rules, that when followed consistently will maximize the overall good.

Deontology -It emphasizes duty, rationality, and obedience to rules. -Proposes that the morality of a decision is not determined by its consequences. -It emphasizes duty, rationality, and obedience to rules. -Deontology focused on using of the categorical imperative (the agent ask question, can this action be a law for all people in all circumstances?).

Deontology Categorical imperatives Ethical rules could be known by rational humans Categorical refers to moral rules that do not admit exceptions. Imperatives denotes a command that is derived form a principle Practical imperatives Make others end as if it is yours

Differences Differences between Teleology and Deontology can be seen when each approach is applied to the issue of abortion

Abortion Teleology approach saving the mother’s life (the end , or consequences) Justifies the abortion (the mean, or act) Deontology approach consider any termination of life as a violation of the rule ‘do not kill’ and therefore, would not abort the fetus, regardless of the consequences to the mother

Values that took into consideration in abortion When life begin Quality of life for the un wanted children Concern’s about mothers health & life Other reproductive issues Contraceptive use C/S decision

Opponents of abortion Hold the position that because fetus possesses humanity, it must be accorded all human right including the right to life (pro-life view)

Proponents of abortion Argue that based on autonomy, a women has a right to her own body, and no women should be forced to bear a child that she does not want (pro-choice view)

Intuitionism There are objective moral truths; we know some of these truths through a kind of immediate, intellectual awareness, or “intuition”; and our knowledge of moral truths gives us reasons for action independent of our desires Summarized as the notion that people inherently know what is right or wrong Determining what is right is not a matter or rational thought or learning (e.g the nurse inherently knows it is wrong to strike a client, the nurse does not need to be taught or to reason it out

Ethics of caring It is based on relationships Caring is a force for protecting and enhancing client dignity

Ethics of caring Caring is of central importance in the client –nurse relationship E.g nurses use trust telling to affirm clients as a persons rather than objects and to assist them to make choices and find meaning in their illness experiences

Process of developing an ethics of care Stage 1 caring for one self Stage 2 caring for others Stage3 caring for oneself and others Each stage ends with a transitional period (a time when the individual recognize a conflict or discomfort with some present behavior and new approaches)

Virtue ethics - Individuals’ actions are based upon a certain degree of innate moral virtue. - Virtue-based ethical theories place less emphasis on which rules people should follow and instead focus on helping people develop good character traits, such as kindness and generosity. These character traits will, in turn, allow a person to make the correct decisions later on in life

Virtue ethics E.g. a lie is wrong not because of its consequences and not because it violates rules but because it is not what a virtuousand honest person would do

Focal virtues 1) Compassion: the ability to imagine oneself in the situation of another 2) Discernment: wisdom, acute judgment and understanding 3)Trustworthiness: Trust is a confident belief in and reliance upon the ability and moral character of another person 4) Integrity: reliability, soundness, continuing to follow moral norms

Comparison of morals and ethics Principles and rules of right and wrong Ethics formal responding process used to determine right conduct Morals private and personal Ethics professionally and publicly Morals commitment to principles and values is usually defended in daily life (protected) Ethics inquiry or study of principles and values (investigation)

Comparison of morals and ethics Morals pertain to an individual’s character Ethics process of questioning and perhaps changing one’s morals Speaks to relationships between human beings

The End