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Ethics

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Tajudin Jaafar

PJN,DSDK,KMN,MBBS,MHP(NSW), AM (Malaysia)

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Definition of Ethics

Greek word ‘ethickos’ meaning character, manners and morals.

Oxford dictionary defines ethics to include :

(i) Science of morals.

(ii) Rules of conduct.

(iii) Science of human duty.

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Purpose of Ethics

To guide the conduct of a person before an act is undertaken.

Define what is considered an honorable behavior.

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Medical Ethics

Application of general ethical principles to the morals problem of medical profession.

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Medical Ethics

Plato : physician judge action of another physician.

Aristotle : penalty only on the reputation of physician.

Hippocrates : created an oath regarding medical ethics.

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Hippocratic Oaths

i. Need for proper instruction and registration of doctors.

ii. Doctors is for benefit of patient.iii. Perform to the best of ability and

refrain from harm.iv. Euthanasia and abortion proscribed.v. Nature of doctor & patient relationship.vi. Doctrine of confidentiality.

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H.O (further development)

1948 – Declaration of Geneva by the World Medical Association.

1968 – Amended in Sydney and led to the International Code of Medical Ethics.

1981 – International Organization of Islamic Medicine adopted “Oath of a Muslim doctor”.

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Ethics Theories

1. Consequentialism - an action is right if and only if it

promotes the best consequences.

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Ethics Theories

2. Utilitarianism - consequences of an action does matter.- the best consequences are those in

which human happiness is maximized.- “the greater good for the greater

number”.

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Ethics Theories

3. Duty-bound or Deontology - focus on the duties rather from the

consequences

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Ethics Theories

4. Virtue ethics - developed by Aristotle on 4B.C.- focus on the character and a habits of a

person.- places better value upon moral character

rather than acts or outcome of acts

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Ethical Principles

1.Beneficence - positive duty to do good.

2.Paternalism - “doctor knows what is best for patient”.

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Ethical Principles

3.Autonomy - self determination- autos(self) + nomos(governance) - special liberty, where individual are free

to choose and implement their own decision, free from deceit, duress, constraint and coercion.

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Ethical Principles

4.Non-maleficence - A duty to do no harm, i.e. obligation not

to inflict harm intentionally.

5.Justice

- Deals with equitable distribution of benefits and burdens.

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Ethical Principles

6.Fidelity- Obligations to keep promises and not

deceive.

7.Confidentiality- Information regarding his patient

confidential aspect of trust.

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Ethical Principles

7. Veracity- Need for truth-telling in the doctor -

patient relationship.- Mutual trust and confidence.