...ETHICAL ISSUES IN HEALTH To evaluate the impact of moral philosophy on medical practice we must first look at what a moral philosophy is, also which philosophies that will be included. Moral philosophy is the area of philosophy concerned with theories of ethics, with how we ought to live our lives. Deontology and utilitarianism are the two philosophies that I shall be evaluating and applying throughout this essay. These are two time-honoured philosophical positions that apply to a wide variety of topics. Deontology is an ethical system that is attributed to the philosophical tradition of Immanuel Kant. Deontology demands that the actions, or means themselves must be ethical. This philosophy is based upon principles of duty and obligation, we have the freedom to act morally (right) or otherwise (wrong) based on General Universal Laws. To respect life means that you must not kill, to respect others is not to steal these moral laws are black and white as you must do what is right and do not do what is wrong regardless of circumstance or outcome. Deontologists argue that there are transcendent ethical norms and truths that are universally applicable to all people. Deontology holds that some actions are immoral regardless of their consequence; these actions are wrong in and of themselves. We should not act out of feeling, inclination, love or compassion, but out of our moral duty according to the universal moral laws. Kant gives a ‘categorical imperative’ to act morally at all times...
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...Ethical Relativism 1. Ethical Relativism: In this lecture, we will discuss a moral theory called ethical relativism (sometimes called “cultural relativism”). Ethical Relativism: The view that what is morally right or wrong is dependent upon what one’s culture believes is right or wrong. In short, if your society or culture BELIEVES that some action is morally wrong, then it IS morally wrong for everyone within that society. Businesspeople often claim something similar. They say, for instance, that businesses operate under their own system of morality. What is deemed to be right by some business IS right for that business. This makes morality relative. For instance, if one society says cannibalism is morally wrong, while another says it is morally permissible, then the fact of whether or not cannibalism is morally wrong will just be a relative one—namely, whether or not it is wrong for someone will just depend upon which society they are in. We will now ask the question: Does some action become right or wrong just because one’s society, or employer, SAYS it is right or wrong? Or rather, is it the case that there are some moral standards that apply to ALL businesses and societies, regardless of whether or not those societies believe in those standards? 2. The Argument From Disagreement: Why believe that morality is relative? Relativists often say that widespread moral disagreement proves that their view is true. They say: 1. Different people have different beliefs...
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...In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a well known lawyer, father to Scout and Jem Finch, and citizen in Maycomb County. His predominant characteristic is integrity. The definition of integrity is, “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty” (Dictionary.com). Atticus Finch shows this in the court and in his home. Most people only play by the rules and keep people’s wellbeing in mind when it can affect their own reputation or they are out in public. Atticus not only shows his integrity in town, but also in his own home and to his children as well. Scout and Jem have absorbed the genuineness of their father, through many daily lessons to life-threatening troubles. Mr. Finch is very unique...
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...been a controversial topic, infect no matter how many times this topic has been risen, but it has always remain as unsolved. There are many people out in the world who thinks that abortion should be legal and some think it should not be. I asked this question to my self is abortion right should be legal or not? I thought on this for a long time and then I made decision that abortion is not right. We have no right to take some one’s life. Abortion is not morally right. The reasons why abortion should not be legal: it is against in all religion, no moral value, adoption is alternative option for abortion, and it may effect on women’s life and future pregnancy. Every child is a precious and unique gift from god. We have no right to decline that gift. No religion says that we have right to take some one’s life. In every religion birth and death is the choice of god. We have no right to kill even fetus because fetus is also living thing. . Everyowane have right to live. How anyone kills their own baby people who do this have no moral values. There are so many people out in the world who have no babies and they do understand the value of child, and the one is getting opportunity to have baby is not ready to accept them. “A good society is said to be one that makes it easy for its citizens to be good. Western civilization has, until now, based its laws on the principles of Judeo-Christianity. Principles mean moral absolutes” (Anderson). In every religion murder is not...
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... however, that at the present time, ethical relativism is in general accepted as the standard. Although I realize that given the fact that the best of philosophers have failed to give solid arguments for either ethical relativism or ethical absolutism will most likely be unable as well, however that is not my goal. Rather my purpose is simply to make us question the ethical relativism to which we have become so accustomed, and to demonstrate some reasons why ethical absolutism may be correct. We all know that people, in general, treat ethics as being subjective. Does that, however, make that right, just, and ethical? To put it simply, the answer is: no. This is obvious given the common example, "if all the other kids were jumping off a cliff, would you do it too." The masses are not always right. So now the thought in all your minds is "come on - go ahead! Prove us wrong." I'm not trying to prove anything, however I will hopefully give you enough information to make you question what is right, and if I do, then I've accomplished my goals. Lets begin with the basics. "What are absolute ethics?" Ethical Absolutism, is undeviating moral discipline. Nothing is relative; a crime is a crime, regardless of circumstances. For a quick demonstration of ethical relativism let us use the example of murder. Is it ok to kill someone without reason? Obviously both ethical standpoints would say no. Now lets assume that the murderer is a doctor who could kill one patient to save another. In...
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...metaethics, which studies philosophical questions about the meaning of ethical words, or the nature of ethical facts 2. Applied ethics is a distinct category of ethical philosophy A. What is applied ethics? 3. Deals with difficult moral questions and controversial moral issues that people actually face in their lives Examples: the moral issues regarding… abortion euthanasia giving to the poor sex before marriage the death penalty gay/lesbian marriage (or other rights) war tactics censorship so-called “white lies” etc. A. What is applied ethics? 4. Given the time we have left in the semester, we’re going to focus on only two example issues: • Whether or not we are morally obligated to help the less fortunate (especially those in other nations) • Whether or not abortion is morally wrong 5. Why we haven’t spent more time on this: • Often results in gridlocked or endless discussions • Having some prior knowledge of some normative theories helps give a framework for discussion • Brings in issues that are not philosophical E.g., a discussion about whether or not the death penalty is morally OK may require sociological information about its effectiveness, etc. B. Suggestions for having good discussions 1. Abortion is a very emotional and charged issue - Students are bound to have strong, conflicting opinions. - Many students may have been personally affected. 2. To avoid a shouting match, it’s best to try to respect everyone’s opinion. 3. Focus on the arguments and not the people...
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... Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2010-05 LEGAL FORM AND MORAL JUDGMENT: THE PROBLEM OF EUTHANASIA Alan Norrie Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1577163 ABSTRACT In this paper, I want to consider the way in which categories of legal responsibility in the criminal law’s general part mediate and finesse broader moral issues around questions of euthanasia. I INTRODUCTION Euthanasia and its close cousin assisted dying represent extremely problematic areas for the criminal law, as the recent guidelines issue around assisted suicide testifies. The effect of these guidelines is to make no official change in the law, yet to make it clear as a matter of practice that where the law on its face has been broken, there will be no prosecution where the defendant was motivated by good moral reasons. On a legal realist vision of law, the law has changed, but on a positivistic reading it has not. What we have in fact is a rather complex and potentially troublesome juxtaposition of legal rule and administrative discretion. This balances strong social, political and moral claims in a society where there is no consensus as to the rights and wrongs of helping someone to die. In this context, the legal realist can say ‘I told you so’, and the legal positivist can cluck disapprovingly, but both miss the point, which is that the law’s messy mixing of messages in a pragmatic compromise reflects the moral impasse in a way that gives something to everyone. Thus the...
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...figuring out whether something should or should not be done. For instance, I know it is wrong to shoplift, that is having good ethics. Good morals are those looked upon positively by others and by society in general. A lack of morals would lead one to behave in a manner unacceptable to others or society. But, knowing it is wrong and still doing it, is immoral. Having good ethics can also mean being a person with good morals. It is ethical to obey the law whether the law is based on morals or not. For example, having car insurance is ethical and legal but not immoral. Going to work or school on time every day and doing what is asked of you is a good job ethics and study...
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...Examine and comment on the view that only a full human person is deserving of moral rights, with reference to the topic you have investigated The term personhood is often used to describe the point when life becomes an individual human that is entitled to rights. A person is a being that has certain qualities or abilities establishing personhood, which is otherwise defined by different authors in different scriptures and by different cultures. For a person to have rights means that they have a voice. Abortion is a controversial subject and to this day is still argued on whether or not it’s morally right to terminate pregnancy. Some people believe that abortion is right if the mother’s life is at risk or if there is a range of circumstance like the foetus becoming handicapped and others claim that it isn’t morally right no matter the situation because the bible forbids murder ‘Thou shalt not kill’ (10 commandments). Majority of people strongly agree that it is wrong to kill a person which is usually called a murder/homicide. Though others that oppose abortion generally try to argue that the foetus/embryo is in fact a human person. But how can one decide if human life is the same as a human person or in fact a human at all? Well a human is thought to be a man, woman, or child of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other animals by superior mental development, power of coherent speech, and upright posture. A person is an individual with a personality. Human life is...
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...discuss such widespread social issue, with serious implication to hundreds of people and can increased moral consequences if not discussed, as many people have different attitudes towards abortion. Abortion can take place for various reasons, such as being afraid of financial hardship that child would bring, being subject to rape or incest, unstable relationships and sometimes may be an inconvenience to the woman who is career driven. With such reasoning to justify abortion raises many moral questions like ‘when does a human life which is morally equal to our own being? Pope John Paul II defines abortion in Evangelium Vitae as “a deliberate, lethal attack on the body of the child- with or without the aim of ending its life. The church has always condemned the act of abortion as the Catholic Christians believe that life is sacred from conception until natural death. Although, there is no clear mention of abortion in the bible, besides references to the treatment of pregnant women in war that can lead to killing of the unborn child. The church believes that the taking of an innocent life whether born or unborn is morally wrong. The churches view on abortion is backed up by a passage from the Declaration on Procured Abortion 1974: “Human life is precious. Infused by the creator, life is again taken back by him.”(Gn 2:7) and he will demand an account for it, for in the image of God man was made.”(Gn 4:10) The commandment of God is formal; ‘You shall not kill (Ex 20:13). The passage highlights...
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...since it provides us with some rules of how to deal with the world. Rules and norms, in turn, are the main subject matter of ethics. This is why all areas of knowledge can be connected with ethics. History, Mathematics, Human sciences and others support kind of ethics, but to what extent do all of these help people to understand morality and make the right decisions? Knowing sometimes can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the circumstances. In the case of ethics it could help or hinder people knowing what to do. On the other hand, we all search for the real life reasons which will lead us the right way. Knowledge issues are sometimes controversial in Ethics, because quite often there is a conflict between two or more branches of, for example between social morality and the religious morality. Each person accepts and follows different kind of moral rules, under different cirsumstances. The controversies in the society what is right and what is wrong are huge. We either support some rules or do not. People often argue about their beliefs, no matter if they are religious or not. Such example could be given in history. To clarify, history is the study of the human past. It is a field of research which uses a narrative to examine and analyse the sequence of historical events, and it sometimes attempts to investigate objectively the patterns of cause and effect that determine past events. On the other hand, ethics is the branch of philosophy that addresses morality, that...
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...catastrophic events in history. This bomb obliterated the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and it is a major controversy of World War II. It remains a controversy because it questions the moral issue of killing innocent civilians to get the Japanese military to surrender the war. One British philosopher, AC Grayling, argues that the nuclear bombing of Japan was a moral crime because there is never a justifiable reason to attack civilians. The atomic bombing of Japan was unethical because it killed civilians, was a disproportionate attack for just conduct of war, and was a violation of human rights. It is immoral that United States targeted Japanese civilians with the atomic bomb to cripple the morale of the military. United States knew the bombs would kill hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but they still annihilated the cities to attain Japan’s unconditional surrender in World War II. It was disregard for the moral right and AC Grayling states, Deliberately bombing cities and towns to kill and terrorize civilians, not all of whom are engaged in manufacturing arms or aiding their country’s military, and many of whom were children and elderly folk - and at the same time destroying the culture and necessities of the people contravenes every moral and humanitarian principle debated in connection with the just conduct of war. (245-246) The focus of war should be defeating the enemy’s military, but America attacked Japan’s civilians to...
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...stem from a range of issues. A difference of ideas separates one culture from the next. Obtaining an understanding between one or more individuals in times of disagreements can be problematic because of our own personal and culture values that forge an individual’s own identity. In times of conflict, gaining an understanding between two parties can still be insufficient to obtain a level of peace, one must also be willing to accept the others viewpoint. Even when the same level of understanding has been accomplished, an individual can still encounter intra-personal conflict as a result. In order to minimise the amount of conflict we encounter, we must first attain a level of understanding of another’s own morals and viewpoints. In times, our own identity can be a productive force that instigates conflict. In Greenville’s novel ‘The lieutenant’ the governor ordered a prisoner to be lashed for the stealing of food in the settlement. Warungin, the native, watched on in interest, yet soon he finds himself standing alone pleading with the governor for the ‘horror of the punishment’ to stop. What is seen as a horrendous brutality in his eyes is considered to be standard practice for the marines of His Majesty’s Service. This level of misunderstanding creates a division between Warungin and The British allowing tension to rise and Inter-personal conflict to occur, because the morals of each party do not agree. This is also demonstrated in the documentary ‘A Kill Team’. Set in the war...
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...thinkers throughout the world. His sceptical arguments concerning induction, causation and especially religion, including his famous thesis that human knowledge arises only from sense experience and not from rational judgments, shaped the 19th and 20th century empiricist philosophy. His famous saying that ‘reason is the slave of the passions’ is a cornerstone of his ethical views largely explains the emotive character of his ethics. Hume’s ethics as an emotive theory of ethics In his works David Hume paid a lot of attention to ethical and moral problems he wanted to discuss these issues and presented his own particular views. At this respect it is worth to mention his moral theory basically depicted in Book 3 of the Treatise, titled “Of Morals”. The author basically discusses the principle issue of his ethics whether moral distinctions are derived from reason. To put it more precisely David Hume discusses the question concerning whether human moral approval is a rational judgment about conceptual relations and facts or an emotional response. On analysing such a dilemma, Hume arrives to the conclusion that it is rather an emotional response that has little, if has any at all, in common with reason. Moreover, it is necessary to underline that T.Z. Lavine in her discussion of Hume’s philosophy points out that according to him “reason provides the means, the instruments or devices, for gaining what the passions desire” (1984:180). In general Hume is very critical in relation to his opponents...
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... medical fields and professions A branch of applied ethics Introduction to ethics. I. II. To what extent is reasoning possible in ethics? One assumption: ethics is subjective A. If subjective then no disagree: Paul I like my coffee sweetened, Helen unsweetened: no disagreement B. If Paul “drs should sometimes assist their patient’s death, Helen: No (then real disagreement) C. There is a point here about disagreement A characteristic of ethics and ethical argumentation consistency: A. It is always wrong to kill a human being B. Abortion is not always wrong C. I am committed to holding that abortion isn’t always the killing of a human being a. This sets a limit on the subjectivity of ethics b. Another such limit: factual accuracy c. One can enjoy a taste without knowing what it is d. In ethics we have to understand the facts of the matter: patient’s prognosis, wishes etc in regards to resuscitation (2) Ethical relativism A. Similarity to subjectivism: B. Ethics depends upon a group, a culture etc. ...
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