Comparison And Contrast Rubric; Please Choose Three Ethical

Comparison And Contrast Rubricplease Choose Three Ethical Articles

Comparison and contrast of ethical articles involve analyzing their underlying ethical theories, decision-making processes, respect for human dignity, ethical conflicts, and professional practice issues. This task requires selecting three ethical articles, systematically comparing and contrasting their contents, and evaluating whether the actions taken align with ethical principles and personal worldview. The core focus is on assessing how each article addresses ethical dilemmas, what ethical frameworks are applied, and whether the resolutions uphold professional standards and human dignity. The structure of the paper should reflect clear organization—whether through whole-to-whole, similarities-differences, or point-by-point comparison—using appropriate transitions, ensuring logical flow and coherence. Additionally, proper grammar, spelling, and adherence to academic writing standards are essential to convey the analysis effectively.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Ethical considerations are central to professional practice across various fields, especially in ensuring the dignity, rights, and well-being of individuals involved. Analyzing multiple ethical articles provides insight into different approaches, conflicts, and resolutions related to moral dilemmas. This essay compares and contrasts three selected ethical articles, focusing on the ethical theories employed, the correctness of decisions according to my worldview, respect for human dignity, ethical conflicts, and professional practice issues. This analysis aims to elucidate how ethical frameworks influence decision-making and whether the actions align with professional standards and moral principles.

Article 1: Ethical Principles in Medical Practice

The first article discusses a case involving end-of-life decisions where healthcare professionals faced the dilemma of respecting patient autonomy versus beneficence. The ethical theory primarily applied was utilitarianism, emphasizing actions that maximize overall well-being. The decision involved withdrawing life support at the patient's or surrogate's request. According to my worldview, respecting autonomy is paramount, and the decision aligns with this belief because honoring patient wishes generally promotes dignity and minimizes suffering. Human dignity was maintained by acknowledging the patient's preferences, yet some might argue that the act of withholding life support conflicts with the duty of care.

Ethical conflict arose between respecting autonomy and preventing harm. The resolution involved informed consent and collaborative discussions among family, medical staff, and ethics committees, illustrating the importance of communication and ethical consultation. Professional issues included adherence to medical ethics codes such as the American Medical Association's guidelines, which stress respect for autonomy and informed decision-making. The professionals acted within the standard professional obligations, suggesting that their actions were ethically justified.

Article 2: Confidentiality in Legal Counseling

The second article examines a scenario where a legal counselor discovers that a client intends to commit a crime. The main ethical framework referenced was deontological ethics, emphasizing duties and obligations, particularly confidentiality. The ethical dilemma concerns whether to breach confidentiality to prevent harm or uphold confidentiality as a duty. From my perspective, maintaining confidentiality is crucial to trust and the client's dignity; however, preventing immediate harm may sometimes justify breaching confidentiality.

The conflict was resolved when the counselor balanced the duty of confidentiality with the obligation to prevent harm, opting to warn authorities only when imminent danger was evident. Human dignity was respected by preserving trust, but the conflict highlights limitations in confidentiality obligations. Professional codes such as the American Counseling Association's Ethical Guidelines provide directions for managing such dilemmas, and in this case, the counselor acted ethically by following these guidelines while attempting to minimize harm.

Article 3: Cultural Competence and Ethical Practice

The third article discusses a social worker working with a culturally diverse client who refuses certain treatments due to religious beliefs. The ethical framework incorporated in this case was virtue ethics, emphasizing compassion, respect, and cultural sensitivity. The ethical conflict involved respecting the client's cultural values without compromising professional standards or causing harm.

The resolution entailed open dialogue, cultural education, and finding mutually acceptable solutions. Human dignity was maintained by respecting the client’s beliefs and choices, aligning with my worldview that cultural competence is fundamental in ethical practice. Professional practice issues involved adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics, which advocates for respecting cultural differences and client autonomy. The social worker’s actions demonstrated ethical sensitivity and professional responsibility, reinforcing the importance of cultural awareness in ethical decision-making.

Comparison and Contrast

All three articles exemplify core ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality, and respect for human dignity—yet they differ in their application and conflict resolution strategies. The first case emphasizes beneficence and the autonomy of patients at the end of life, illustrating a conflict between prolonging life and alleviating suffering. The second case underscores the duty of confidentiality and the limits of the obligation to prevent harm, highlighting the importance of professional judgment and legal considerations. The third article centers on respecting cultural diversity, emphasizing the virtue ethics approach that values moral character and cultural sensitivity.

In terms of ethical theory application, utilitarianism is prominent in the first article, focusing on overall well-being; deontological ethics in the second, emphasizing duties; and virtue ethics in the third, prioritizing moral character and virtues. Whether the decisions aligned with my worldview depends on the context; I believe respecting autonomy and cultural differences is vital, and interventions must be balanced with compassion and respect for dignity.

Regarding respect for human dignity, all three articles uphold it through various means—honoring patient wishes, maintaining confidentiality, and valuing cultural beliefs. Ethical conflicts common to these scenarios involve balancing competing duties: autonomy versus beneficence, confidentiality versus harm prevention, and cultural respect versus professional standards. The resolutions involved communication, ethical consultation, and adherence to professional codes of conduct, demonstrating the importance of ethical awareness and moral sensitivity in practice.

Professional practice issues in each case involved alignment with ethical codes such as those from AMA, ACA, and NASW. The actions taken by professionals generally followed these standards, indicating appropriate ethical conduct. Nonetheless, each scenario underscores the importance of context, moral judgment, and adherence to professional guidelines to navigate complex dilemmas effectively.

Conclusion

Comparison and contrast of these three ethical articles reveal the multifaceted nature of ethical decision-making. While distinct in their contexts, they collectively demonstrate the significance of applying appropriate ethical theories, respecting human dignity, and adhering to professional standards. The resolution of conflicts through communication, ethical guidelines, and moral character underscores the dynamic and nuanced process of ethical practice. For professionals, understanding these principles and frameworks is vital to ensure morally sound and respectful actions, fostering trust and integrity in their fields.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • American Medical Association. (2020). Code of Medical Ethics.
  • American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics.
  • National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Code of Ethics.
  • Gert, B. (2004). Morality: Its nature and Justification. Oxford University Press.
  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
  • MacIntyre, A. (2007). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. Notre Dame Press.
  • Beauchamp, T. L. (2019). Philosophical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Childress, J. F., & Siegler, M. (2014). The Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Johnstone, M. (2013). Ethical Practice in Mental Health Work. Palgrave Macmillan.

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