1. Medical Ethics
What’s it all about?

2. Ethics A subfield of philosophy Aims to clarify the nature of
Right and wrong
Good and bad
Clarifies justification of ethical ideas
Tells us how we ought to behave

3. Why bother with it
Helps us with difficult decisions / ethical dilemmas
Helps you understand other people’s view point
Helps you understand your own view point

4. Major theories Deontology and utilitarianism Four principles
Rights based ethics
Virtue ethics

5. Deontology – the science of duty
The morality of an action is intrinsic to the action itself rather than the consequences
e.g. Killing is bad because the act of killing is wrong, regardless of the outcome
Any rule that applies to you should apply to everyone – and no one should be treated as the means to an end (Kant)

6. Utilitarianism – maximising benefit
People should act in a way that will bring about the best possible outcomes overall
“The greatest happiness of the greatest number”
Whether an action is right or wrong depends on the outcome

7. Four Principles – the Dr’s aid
Respect for autonomy – let people decide for themselves
Non-maleficence – do no harm
Beneficence – do good
Justice – be equitable

8. Rights – giving people their due
People have justified claims on others and society.
Rights can be:
Universal (apply to everybody) eg the right to be free
Special moral rights (apply to some and not others) eg if Peter lends Tom money, Peter has a right to be paid by Tom
Positive (the right to receive particular goods/services) eg to receive free emergency health care
Negative (the right to be free from certain actions by others) eg to refuse immunisation

9. Virtue Ethics
Focuses on the person carrying out the action rather than the action itself
Importance of the virtues of the individual - good character, conscience and integrity
Certain virtues can be attached to professional roles eg doctor’s role
Perceived to be good = praiseworthy
Perceived to be bad = blameworthy

10. Now
Try putting it into practice
Have fun!