Instructions: Now That You Had An Opportunity To Expl 599518

Instructions now That You Have Had An Opportunity To Explore Ethics For

Now that you have had an opportunity to explore ethics formally, create a reflective assessment of your learning experience and the collaborations you engaged in. For the written reflection, address Jane Doe's case and respond to the following: Articulate again your moral theory from the week eight discussion (you can revise it if you wish). What two ethical theories best apply to it? Why those two? Apply to Jane Doe's case your personal moral philosophy as developed in the week eight discussion and now. Use it to determine if what Jane Doe did was ethical or unethical per your own moral philosophy.

Consider if some of these examples are more grave instances of ethical transgressions than others. Explain. Propose a course of social action and a solution by using the ethics of egoism, utilitarianism, the "veil of ignorance" method, deontological principles, and/or a theory of justice to deal with students like Jane. Consider social values such as those concerning ways of life while appraising the interests of diverse populations (for instance, those of different religions and economic status) throughout this session. Discuss your experiences of the course, your beginnings, and where you are now.

Consider your interaction in discussions. Should health care workers be required to take a course in Ethics? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of ethics over the course duration has profoundly shaped my understanding of moral principles and their application in real-world scenarios. Reflecting on this journey, I recognize both the evolution of my moral philosophy and its role in analyzing complex ethical dilemmas such as the case of Jane Doe. Reaffirming my initial moral theory from week eight, I subscribed to a form of virtue ethics combined with Kantian deontology. Virtue ethics emphasizes character and moral virtues, advocating for actions rooted in integrity, compassion, and practical wisdom. Kantian ethics, on the other hand, centers on the moral duty and adherence to universal moral laws regardless of outcomes.

The two ethical theories that best align with my moral outlook are utilitarianism and deontological ethics. Utilitarianism’s focus on maximizing overall well-being aligns with my value of social harmony and the importance of considering the consequences of actions on all stakeholders. Deontology, with its emphasis on moral duties and respect for individual rights, resonates with my conviction that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, independent of their outcomes. These theories inform my analysis of Jane Doe's actions, which involve her personal and professional responsibilities.

Applying my moral philosophy to Jane Doe’s case, I evaluate whether her actions were ethical based on a combination of these theories. If, for instance, Jane engaged in behavior that compromised patient safety or honesty but did so to serve a perceived greater good, utilitarianism might justify her actions if they resulted in overall benefit. Conversely, from a deontological perspective, her adherence to professional and moral duties—such as honesty and beneficence—must be prioritized, suggesting her actions could be unethical if they violated those duties.

Some ethical transgressions are more grave than others. For example, falsifying patient records can lead to direct harm and breach fundamental trust, making it a more severe transgression than less impactful ethical lapses. Recognizing the gravity of actions helps prioritize responses and interventions to promote accountability and moral responsibility.

Considering social responses, I propose a course of action rooted in the veil of ignorance principle. By adopting a perspective where decisions are made without knowledge of individual positions—such as socioeconomic status or religious background—policies can be designed to protect vulnerable populations and uphold fairness. Using a theory of justice, policies should aim for equitable treatment and access to healthcare, ensuring diverse groups’ interests are respected and protected.

The course has been transformative, beginning with a limited understanding of ethical concepts and moving towards a nuanced appreciation of moral complexity in healthcare and society. My initial focus was primarily on abstract principles, but now I recognize the importance of contextual and cultural considerations, especially in diverse populations. Engaging in discussions has enhanced my critical thinking and ability to consider multiple perspectives, fostering empathy and moral sensitivity.

Regarding the necessity of ethics education for healthcare professionals, I firmly believe that a comprehensive ethics course should be mandatory. Healthcare workers regularly face morally charged situations where moral clarity and ethical reasoning are crucial. Formal training equips them with frameworks to analyze dilemmas, uphold patient rights, and maintain professional integrity. Irresponsible or unprepared responses to ethical challenges can lead to harm, loss of trust, and professional misconduct. Therefore, ethical competence is essential for delivering quality, compassionate care and maintaining public confidence.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Harper & Row.
  • Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
  • Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press.
  • Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
  • Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
  • Trevethan, P. (2020). Ethical Decision Making in Healthcare. Routledge.
  • Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T., & Meyer, M. J. (2015). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
  • Wallace, J. (2020). Ethics in Healthcare: A Guide for the Profession. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Williams, B. (1985). Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy. Harvard University Press.