Ethical Principles and Theories

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the principle of beneficence might come into conflict with the principle of autonomy in a medical setting. Provide a brief example.

Beneficence involves acting in the patient's best interest, while autonomy respects the patient's right to make their own decisions. Conflict arises when a healthcare provider believes a certain treatment is best (beneficence), but the patient refuses it (autonomy). For instance, a doctor may recommend a life-saving surgery, but the patient, fully informed, declines due to personal beliefs.

Differentiate between ethical relativism and ethical absolutism. Provide a concise example to illustrate the core difference.

Ethical relativism asserts that morality is relative to cultural or individual beliefs, while ethical absolutism posits universal moral principles. For instance, views on capital punishment differ across cultures (relativism), but an absolutist might argue that the inherent value of life makes it always wrong.

Describe a situation where whistleblowing might be ethically justified, even though it could have negative personal consequences for the whistleblower.

Whistleblowing is justified when an organization is engaged in activities that cause significant harm to others, and internal attempts to address the issue have failed. Despite potential personal repercussions like job loss or social ostracism, exposing unethical or illegal activities can prevent greater harm.

How does virtue ethics differ from both consequentialism and deontology in its approach to ethical decision-making?

Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits, while consequentialism focuses on the outcomes of actions, and deontology focuses on adherence to rules. Virtue ethics asks, 'What kind of person should I be?' while consequentialism asks, 'What action will produce the best results?' and deontology asks, 'what are my duties?' Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a conflict of interest can undermine ethical decision-making. Provide an example outside of a business setting.

A conflict of interest arises when personal interests could compromise professional duties, making objective decisions difficult. For Example: a professor grading a paper of a student they are closely related to. The professor's relationship with the student could consciously, or unconsciously, impact their ability to fairly asses the students work and knowledge of the subject matter. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the principle of justice applies to the allocation of scarce medical resources, such as transplant organs or vaccines, during a pandemic.

Justice in resource allocation requires fairness and equity, ensuring everyone has equal access, avoiding discrimination. During a shortage, this involves creating transparent criteria, such as need, age, or probability of survival, to ensure resources are distributed impartially, maximizing benefit while minimizing inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of environmental ethics, explain why future generations are considered stakeholders in decisions made today.

Future generations are stakeholders because current environmental decisions impact their quality of life and access to resources. Ethical environmental policies should consider the long-term consequences, aiming to preserve resources and ecological balance for those who will inherit the planet. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of empathy in care ethics, and how it might lead to different actions compared to a purely rule-based (deontological) approach.

Empathy in care ethics involves understanding and responding to the needs and feelings of others, emphasizing relationships and context. Unlike deontology, which follows rules regardless of consequences, care ethics prioritizes compassion and tailored responses, potentially breaking a rule to better serve someone's needs. Signup and view all the answers

How can the application of ethical principles help organizations develop a stronger sense of corporate social responsibility?

By integrating ethical principles like honesty, fairness, and respect into their operations, organizations demonstrate responsible behavior that benefits all stakeholders: employees, customers, communities, and shareholders. Adhering to these principles fosters trust, enhances reputation, and contributes positively to society, fulfilling their responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a situation in which upholding the principle of veracity (truthfulness) might be especially challenging, and explain how one might navigate that challenge ethically.

Upholding veracity becomes challenging when telling the truth could cause significant harm or emotional distress. We can manage this dilemma ethically by being honest, yet sensitive; providing information in a way that minimizes harm, offering support, and being prepared to deal with the consequences, balancing the need for truth with compassion. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Values

Fundamental beliefs about what is important, influencing ethical judgments.

Morals

Personal principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong.