hu245 ethics

Unit Two Seminar

My Dog

Old Business!Unit One Discussion

New Business!Unit Two Readings:

Nonconsequential TheoriesBioethics

Consequentialist TheoriesConsequentialist theories claim that the

morality of an action depends only on its consequences.

It only considers the result of actions and not principles or rules in determining morality.

Types of Consequentialist Theories

Ethical Egoism argues that each person should act in their own self interests.

Act Utilitariansim argues that each person should act in a way that produces the greatest happiness for everyone.

Rule Utilitarianism argues that each person should follow rules that tend to produce the greatest happiness for everyone.

Weaknesses of Consequentialist TheoriesRequires person to predict the future and all

possible outcomes.Can easily be used to justify questionable

actions (the ends justifies the means).

Types of Nonconsequentialist TheoriesDivine command theory

argues that we should obey the laws of God.

Kant’s Categorical Imperative states that we should always act in a way that is based on reason, duty, and would be considered ethical if everyone acted in the exact same way. Also, people should be treated as a ends and not as a means.

Weaknesses of Nonconsequentialist TheoriesDivine Command requires a high degree of

interpretation skills.Variety of religions makes standards hard to

develop for all.Can be rigid and ignore outcomes

W.D. Ross argued that we can rely on several prima facie (at first glance) duties to guide most ethical questions◦ Fidelity: telling the truth◦ Reparation: making up for wrongs◦ Gratitude: recognizing what has been done for us◦ Justice: preventing the improper distribution of

good and bad◦ Beneficence: helping others◦ Self-Improvement: obligation to improve our

character◦ Nonmaleficence: not injuring others

Variations on Nonconsequentialist Theories: Ross’ Prima Facie

Sets up principles but does not avoid recognizing outcomes of actions.

What criteria determine prima facie duties? When is one duty "stronger" than another?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ross

Justice is associated with rights, fairness, and equality. These are major concerns in both social and business ethics.

Distributive Justice: How should good and bad be distributed in society?◦ Equal shares?◦ Need?◦ Effort?◦ Merit?◦ Social Contribution?

Retributive Justice: How should we punish wrong?

Compensatory Justice: How should we compensate those who are injured by wrong?

Variations on Nonconsequentialist Theories: Justice Principles

Rawls puts forth two main principles:Equality Principle: There must be freedom for

allDifference Principle: Any inequality is

permissible to the extent that it is to everyone’s advantage (i.e. paying a surgeon more than sales clerk).

Achieving this equality would be based on redistribution of wealth and using the “Veil of Ignorance”.

John Rawls: A Theory of Justice

Allows for individual freedom but calls for equitable distribution of wealth.

Efforts to redistribute wealth violates the principle of property and limits individual freedoms as pointed out by Robert Nozick and other libertarians.

Redistribution of wealth may reduce incentive to work hard and efficiently.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rawls

Some argue that ethics cannot be “known” as we know scientific fact and thus all debate on ethics is a matter of opinion and not based on logic (nonobjectivism).

Some argue that all ethics are cultural and thus relative to society and reject the concept of a moral absolute.

None of the Above?

Seminar Question 1Has the bureaucratization and centralization

of health care information eroded medical confidentiality?

Issues to ConsiderIs it easier to get to information?Are electronic files more or less secure than

paper files?

Seminar Question 1 ContinuedHow important is it that your own medical

information be kept private?

Seminar Question 1 ContinuedHave concerns about privacy (or its lack)

ever affected decisions you have made about your own health care?

Should you seek treatment in the same facility you work at?

Do people avoid seeking mental healthcare for this reason?

Seminar Question 2Are there cases where society benefits

significantly when medical information is released?

Seminar Question 2 ContinuedDo you think that medical confidentiality

should be breached in these cases?

Is this a case for utilitarianism or rights?Can virtue ethics apply?

Pros and Cons of Centralized RecordsPros

Prescriptions more legible Share medical information instantly to avoid negative drug

interactions Locate and contain outbreaks of disease faster Reduces costs

Cons Could lead to discrimination for employment Could lead to public embarrassment

Questions?