GEC6 - Ethics PDF

GEC6 - ETHICS Instructor: MR. ELMER B. AZOGUE, RN Introduction to Ethics Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality and guides the principles of right and wrong behavior. It explores the nature of good and evil, justice and virtue, and what individuals and societies...

GEC6 - ETHICS Instructor: MR. ELMER B. AZOGUE, RN Introduction to Ethics Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality and guides the principles of right and wrong behavior. It explores the nature of good and evil, justice and virtue, and what individuals and societies owe to each other. Ethics is not just theoretical; it impacts our daily lives and decision-making processes. Ethics etymologically comes from the Greek word ethos. It means custom, usage, character. The Latin equivalent of ethos is mores which in turn is the etymological word of “moral”, “morality”, “morals”. Many people tried to make distinctions on the words ethics and morality. In a broader sense, it encompasses the study of concepts such as: 1.Moral Norms: Standards or rules that guide human conduct. 2.Values: Core beliefs or desires that guide or motivate attitudes and actions. 3.Virtues and Vices: Traits or qualities considered to be good or bad in individuals. According to Bulaong, et al. (2017), the word morals may be used to refer to specific beliefs or attitudes that people have to describe acts that people perform. An Individual’s conduct is referred to as his morals, and if he falls short behaving properly, it is immoral. For example: When a man returned a lost wallet to the owner, his action is considered moral. But when a man kept the lost wallet and has no intention to return it to the owner, his action is considered as immoral. On the other hand, Ethics can be spoken of as the discipline of studying and understanding the ideal of human behavior and ideal ways of thinking. It could be acceptable or unacceptable behavior or describe as ethical or unethical. This term is mostly used on ways of behaving in a given field, this is popularly known as “professional ethics” (Bulaong, et al, 2017). For example, a policeman arresting a man bribing him, the action is considered as ethical. But if the policeman accepts the bribe and sets the man free, his action is considered as unethical. The distinction between ethics and morals could clarify different dimensions of our lives. Scope of Ethics The scope of ethics is vast and includes various subfields and areas of study: 1. Normative Ethics: Concerned with the criteria of what is morally right and wrong. It includes theories like Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics. ▪ Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that proposes actions are right if they maximize overall happiness or well- being. The goal is to achieve "the greatest good for the greatest number." ▪ Deontology: Deontology focuses on rules and duties. It holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. The ethical correctness of an action is determined by whether it follows a set of rules or duties. ▪ Virtue Ethics: Virtue Ethics emphasizes the character and virtues of the individual making the decision rather than rules or consequences. It suggests that moral behavior stems from developing virtuous traits such as honesty, courage, and compassion. 2. Meta-Ethics: Examines the nature, meaning, and properties of ethical statements and concepts. 3. Applied Ethics: Deals with the practical application of moral considerations to specific issues such as medical ethics, business ethics, and environmental ethics. 4. Descriptive Ethics: Observes and describes how people behave and what moral standards they claim to follow. Ethics helps us navigate complex moral landscapes by providing frameworks for analyzing and resolving dilemmas. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, and the pursuit of justice, ensuring that our actions contribute positively to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Application of Ethics in Various Fields 1. Medical Ethics: Deals with the ethical issues arising in medical practice and research. Key principles include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. 2. Business Ethics: Focuses on the ethical aspects of business practices and decision- making. Topics include corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and fair trade. 3. Environmental Ethics: Explores the moral relationship between humans and the environment. Addresses issues such as sustainability, conservation, and animal rights. 4. Political Ethics: Examines the ethical aspects of political systems, policies, and leaders. Topics include justice, rights, and the role of government. Medical Ethics Medical Ethics refers to the application of ethical principles to the field of medicine. It involves examining and resolving ethical issues that arise in clinical practice, medical research, and healthcare policy. Medical ethics guides healthcare professionals in making morally sound decisions that respect the dignity, rights, and well-being of patients. Ethical Issues in Medical Practice and Research 1. Informed Consent: Patients must be fully informed about the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of a medical procedure or treatment before giving their consent. This ensures respect for patient autonomy and promotes trust in the patient-provider relationship. 2. Confidentiality: Healthcare professionals are obligated to keep patient information private and secure. Breaches of confidentiality can harm patient trust and lead to legal and ethical consequences. 3. End-of-Life Care: Ethical dilemmas often arise regarding decisions about life-sustaining treatments, palliative care, and euthanasia. These decisions require careful consideration of the patient's wishes, quality of life, and ethical principles. 4. Resource Allocation: Ethical challenges exist in determining how to allocate limited healthcare resources fairly and justly. This involves prioritizing treatments, managing healthcare costs, and ensuring equitable access to care. 5. Research Ethics: Medical research must adhere to ethical standards to protect the rights and well-being of participants. Key considerations include informed consent, minimizing harm, and ensuring the scientific validity of studies. Key Principles of Medical Ethics 1. Autonomy: 1. Respecting the autonomy of patients means recognizing their right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. 2. Healthcare professionals must provide patients with the necessary information and support to make their own choices. 2. Beneficence: 1. The principle of beneficence emphasizes promoting the well-being of patients and acting in their best interests. 2. Healthcare providers must strive to provide beneficial treatments and interventions that improve patient outcomes. 3. Non-Maleficence: Non-maleficence is the obligation to "do no harm" and avoid causing unnecessary harm or suffering to patients. This principle requires healthcare professionals to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatments and procedures. 4. Justice: The principle of justice involves ensuring fairness and equity in the distribution of healthcare resources and treatments. Healthcare providers must strive to treat all patients fairly, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or other factors. Importance of Ethics Ethics plays a vital role in society and individual lives. Here are some key points highlighting its importance: 1. Guiding Moral Behavior: Ethics provides a framework for distinguishing right from wrong, helping individuals make moral decisions and actions. 2. Promoting Trust and Integrity: Ethical behavior fosters trust and integrity in personal and professional relationships, enhancing social cohesion and cooperation. 3. Ensuring Justice and Fairness: Ethics upholds principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that individuals are treated equitably and with respect. 4. Enhancing Accountability: Ethical standards hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions, promoting transparency and responsibility. 5. Protecting Rights and Dignity: Ethics safeguards the rights and dignity of individuals, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and compassion. Fundamental Concepts: Human Acts Human acts refer to actions performed with knowledge and free will. These actions are deliberate and intentional, making them subject to moral evaluation. Human acts can be classified into two categories: 1. Elicited Acts: Actions that originate from the will without any external manifestation. Examples include decisions, intentions, and internal resolutions. 2. Commanded Acts: Actions that involve both the will and external manifestation. Examples include speaking, writing, and physical actions. Constituents of Human Acts Human acts are composed of various elements that determine their moral quality. The main constituents are: 1. Knowledge: The awareness and understanding of the action being performed. For an act to be considered human, the individual must have sufficient knowledge of what they are doing. 2. Freedom: The ability to choose between different courses of action without external coercion. True human acts are performed freely and voluntarily. 3. Voluntariness: The intentional and deliberate decision to perform the act. Voluntariness implies that the individual acts with full consent and intention. Ethical Evaluation of Human Acts The moral evaluation of human acts involves assessing the following aspects: 1. The Act Itself: The nature of the action being performed. Some actions are inherently good or bad, while others depend on the circumstances. 2. The Intentions: The motives and purposes behind the action. Good intentions can enhance the moral value of an act, while bad intentions can diminish it. 3. The Circumstances: The context and conditions surrounding the action. Circumstances can affect the moral quality of an act by influencing its consequences and impact. Examples and Applications 1. Telling the Truth: 1. Knowledge: Understanding that the statement being made is true. 2. Freedom: Choosing to tell the truth without being forced. 3. Voluntariness: Intentionally deciding to be honest. 2. Helping Someone in Need: 1. Knowledge: Recognizing that the person requires assistance. 2. Freedom: Freely choosing to offer help. 3. Voluntariness: Willingly deciding to assist. The Ends of Human Acts The "ends" of human acts refer to the goals or objectives that individuals aim to achieve through their actions. These ends can be divided into two main categories: 1. Proximate Ends: The immediate goals or objectives that a person seeks to achieve with their actions. 2. Ultimate Ends: The final and most important goals that give meaning and direction to a person's life. Proximate Ends Proximate ends are the immediate and direct outcomes that individuals aim to achieve through their actions. These ends are often specific and short-term. For example: Studying for an Exam: The proximate end is to pass the exam. Exercising Regularly: The proximate end is to improve physical fitness. Cooking a Meal: The proximate end is to prepare food for consumption. Ultimate Ends Ultimate ends, on the other hand, are the overarching and long-term goals that provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. These ends are often related to one's values, beliefs, and overall vision of a good life. For example: Happiness or Eudaimonia: Achieving a state of well-being and flourishing. Moral Goodness: Living a virtuous and ethical life. Self-Actualization: Realizing one's full potential and capabilities. The Relationship Between Proximate and Ultimate Ends Proximate and ultimate ends are interconnected. Proximate ends serve as steps or means to achieve ultimate ends. For example: Studying for an Exam (proximate end) contributes to academic success and personal growth (ultimate end). Exercising Regularly (proximate end) contributes to overall health and well-being (ultimate end). Cooking a Meal (proximate end) contributes to nourishment and family bonding (ultimate end). Ethical Evaluation of Human Acts Based on Ends The moral evaluation of human acts often considers both the proximate and ultimate ends. An action is morally good if it is directed toward a good end and is performed with good intentions. Key considerations include: 1. The Object of the Act: The specific action being performed. Some actions are intrinsically good or bad, regardless of the ends. 2. The Intention: The motive or purpose behind the action. Good intentions can enhance the moral value of an act. 3. The Circumstances: The context and conditions surrounding the action. Circumstances can affect the moral quality of an act. 4. The Means and the Ends: The means used to achieve the end must also be morally acceptable. “The end does not justify the means" is a key principle in ethical evaluation. Examples and Applications 1. Charitable Giving: 1. Proximate End: Providing financial support to those in need. 2. Ultimate End: Promoting social justice and compassion. 3. Ethical Evaluation: If the act of giving is done with good intentions and through morally acceptable means, it is considered ethically good. 2. Pursuing a Career: 1. Proximate End: Gaining employment and earning a living. 2. Ultimate End: Achieving personal fulfillment and contributing to society. 3. Ethical Evaluation: If the career is pursued with good intentions and through ethical practices, it is considered ethically good.