Ethical theory and principles
Ethical theory
Broadly speaking there are three main ethical systems to be aware of:
Teleological systems focus on consequences (you'll also see this referred to as consequentialism) . The emphasis here is on the outcome of a decision or and action. Utilitarianism is an example of this.
Deontological systems are focused on actions themselves rather than consequences. This is sometimes referred to as Kantianism (after the philosophy of Immanuel Kant). These systems suggest that there are moral rules and duties that should not be beached.
Virtue ethics focuses on being rather than doing. When faced with a moral dilemma, virtue ethics encourages people to do the right thing for the right reason. The emphasis is on moral character and what the decision says about this.
To summarise the above take the issue of lying. A consequentialist might say that it is right to lie in certain circumstances depending on whether it would result in a good or bad outcome. A deontological view might be that it is simply wrong and immoral to lie. Using virtue ethics one might question what a lie in that case would say about one's moral character. It may be okay to lie if it is for the good of another if one is approaching the issue out of compassion.
Ethical principles
The basic ethical principals constitute the branch of ethics known as principlism.
Broadly speaking there are three main ethical systems to be aware of:
- Teleological
- Deontological
- Virtue based
Teleological systems focus on consequences (you'll also see this referred to as consequentialism) . The emphasis here is on the outcome of a decision or and action. Utilitarianism is an example of this.
Deontological systems are focused on actions themselves rather than consequences. This is sometimes referred to as Kantianism (after the philosophy of Immanuel Kant). These systems suggest that there are moral rules and duties that should not be beached.
Virtue ethics focuses on being rather than doing. When faced with a moral dilemma, virtue ethics encourages people to do the right thing for the right reason. The emphasis is on moral character and what the decision says about this.
To summarise the above take the issue of lying. A consequentialist might say that it is right to lie in certain circumstances depending on whether it would result in a good or bad outcome. A deontological view might be that it is simply wrong and immoral to lie. Using virtue ethics one might question what a lie in that case would say about one's moral character. It may be okay to lie if it is for the good of another if one is approaching the issue out of compassion.
Ethical principles
The basic ethical principals constitute the branch of ethics known as principlism.
| Basic ethical principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Autonomy | refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions |
| Beneficence | refers to the expectation that a doctor will act in a way that will be helpful to the patient |
| Non-maleficence | refers to the fact that doctors should avoid harming their patients |
| Justice | refers to the expectation that doctors will treat patients fairly, in an unbiased manner, and that all people should be treated equally |
