Transcript Principle of Double Effect

Ethics
• DEFINITIONS
Values
Morals
Ethics
Ethical dilemma
• THE CONCEPT OF ETHICS
– ‘ethics’ is derived from the Greek term
ethos, which means customs, habitual
usage, conduct, and character
Common ethical (moral)
theories
• Teleology - actions are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ according
to the balance of their good or bad consequences
– Utilitarianism is a teleological theory that judges
acts based on their utility or usefulness
• Deontology - actions are performed out of duty or
moral obligation; every person is an end and not
solely a means to another person’s end.
• Virtue theory - places value on the moral
character of the actor rather than acts or outcomes of
acts
Bioethical principles
Four Major Bioethical Principles in
Healthcare
• The Principle of Autonomy
• The Principle of Non-Maleficence
• The Principle of Beneficence
• The Principle of Justice
Ethical decision-making within
healthcare
• Ethical decision-making usually involves at
least one of four basic principles: autonomy,
non-maleficence; beneficence; and justice.
• Principles for ethical decision-making:
- respect the autonomy of the individual
- avoid harm
- where possible achieve benefit
- consider, fairly, the interests of all those affected
Framework for ethical
decision-making
Begin by learning to recognise a moral issue
Step 1: Gather all relevant information
Step 2: Identify and clarify the ethical problem(s)
Step 3: Analyse the problem by considering the various
ethical theories or approaches
Step 4: Explore the range of options or possible
solutions
Step 5: Make a decision
Step 6: Implement and then reflect on the decision