Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of applied ethics?
What is the primary focus of applied ethics?
Applied ethics focuses on how to act in specific situations.
List the four principles of principlism in medical ethics.
List the four principles of principlism in medical ethics.
The four principles are autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
What ethical dilemma does Erskine's case present?
What ethical dilemma does Erskine's case present?
The dilemma involves balancing beneficence and non-maleficence with Erskine's autonomy regarding treatment.
What alternative approach to medical ethics does Case-Based Reasoning represent?
What alternative approach to medical ethics does Case-Based Reasoning represent?
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Why is engaging in further discussion important in Erskine's case?
Why is engaging in further discussion important in Erskine's case?
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What is a critique of the principles of principlism in complex medical situations?
What is a critique of the principles of principlism in complex medical situations?
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Explain the term 'McDonaldization' as it relates to societal characteristics.
Explain the term 'McDonaldization' as it relates to societal characteristics.
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What is the importance of truthfulness in medical ethics, especially in Erskine's case?
What is the importance of truthfulness in medical ethics, especially in Erskine's case?
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How does bureaucracy influence ethical decision-making in healthcare?
How does bureaucracy influence ethical decision-making in healthcare?
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What does the principle of justice address in medical ethics?
What does the principle of justice address in medical ethics?
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Study Notes
Applied Ethics vs. Normative Ethics
- Applied ethics focuses on how to act in specific situations, creating rules like those used by kinesiologists.
- Normative ethics provides theories that define how people should behave, creating general rules like those of utilitarianism or Kantianism.
Medical Ethics
- Principlism is the primary medical approach, using principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
- Case-based reasoning, or modern casuistry, identifies similar cases to resolve current conflicts. This method is considered unavoidable.
- Casuistry is a bottom-up approach, examining specific cases for guiding principles.
Ethical Considerations Case Study
- Erskine, a 14-year-old with metastatic neuroblastoma, is in PICU.
- His parents want "everything" done.
- Erskine wants no breathing machine.
- Benefience: The machine may prolong life but increase suffering.
- Non-maleficence: The machine's potential harm is unclear.
- Autonomy: Erskine has the right to refuse treatment.
- Justice: Resource allocation is a possible consideration in similar cases.
- Dignity: Respecting Erskine's wishes maintains his dignity.
- Truthfulness and honesty: All parties should honestly discuss prognosis and treatment.
- Moral diagnosis: The conflict highlights the tension between beneficence/non-maleficence and autonomy. Erskine's decision as a competent individual should take priority.
Possible Courses of Action
- Honor Erskine's wishes: Stop the machine and focus on palliative care.
- Engage further discussion: Facilitate open dialogue among family (parents) and medical team to reach consensus.
Justification
- Honoring Erskine's wishes respects autonomy.
- Further discussion cannot be coercive and must prioritize Erskine's wishes.
Principlism Continued
- Key concepts in bureaucracy
- Bureaucratic rationality: institutions use rationality to achieve objectives.
- Formal rationality: Using logic and reason to determine an action's importance.
- Substantive rationality: Considering the value of an action.
- Bureaucracy cost: loss of autonomy, freedom, individuality.
- Benefits of bureaucracy: Written rules, promotions, specialization.
- McDonaldization: society adopting characteristics of fast-food restaurants. Finding efficiency can detract from other values.
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Description
Explore the differences between applied ethics and normative ethics, particularly in the context of medical ethics. This quiz examines principlism, case-based reasoning, and a real-world case study involving a 14-year-old patient. Learn about the ethical principles that influence decision-making in healthcare.
