hu245 ethics
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HU245 Ethics. Unit Two Seminar. My Dog. Old Business!. Unit One Discussion. New Business!. Unit Two Readings: Nonconsequential Theories Bioethics. Consequentialist Theories. Consequentialist theories claim that the morality of an action depends only on its consequences. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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?