Ethic

MORAL PRINCIPLES AND OTHER THEORIES

MORAL PRINCIPLES

Moral principles ate the foundation for moral theories.
The principle is the belief; the theory is the belief applied to the real lifeMoral principles are guidelines for ethical decision-making, but NOT ABSOLUTES.

PRINCIPLE OF NONMALEFICENCE

DO NOT HARM TO OTHERS.
The emphasis is on NEEDLESS harm.
Nonmaleficence also applies tonegligence.
Despite the principle of nonmaleficence, there are always risks involved with medical care.

PRINCIPLE OF BENEFICENCE

HELP OTHES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Beneficence does have itslimitations.
Treatments are to be appropriate for the illness.
The principle of beneficence ensures that health care professionals do what is in the best interest of the patients.

PRINCIPLE OF UTILITYPROMOTE THE GREATEST BENEFIT AND THE LEAST HARM.
This principle was discussed previously under the theory of utilitarianism.
The focus is on maximizing the use of medical resources.PRINCIPLES OF DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE.

EVERYONE SHOULD GET WHAT THEIR RIGHTS DEMAND.
This principle emphasizes the importance of justifying distinctions among patients.
The principles of distributive justiceare primarily concerned with promoting fair treatment.

Examples:
EQUALITY: everyone should be treated the same given the circumstances are the same.
NEED: those with the greatest need mayreceive greater attention and proportion of resources.
CONTRIBUTION: People should ger a return based on their individual labor.
EFFORT: The receive of care should be determinated by the effort shown bythe individual.

PRINCIPLE OF AUTONOMY

PEOPLE WITH REASONING ABILITIES SHOULD DEETERMINE THEIR OWN OUTCOME.
Autonomy is a right based on the inherent worth of humanity.
Autonomy brings with theconcept of moral responsability.

CATEGORIES.

ACTIONS: autonomy is denied when people are coerced into making decision (ex. Ransom)
OPTIONS: autonomy is compromised when people are moved into...