2-1 Unit 2: 2 MORAL THEORY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO DECISION-MAKING IN HEALTH CARE

Abstract

The aim of this unit is to explore and examine the role moral theory plays in ethical decision making in health care. AIMS OBJECTIVES By the end of this unit you should be able to: . Outline the theoretical position of Kant, and identify the criteria used in deontological theory. . Outline the theoretical position known as teleology, and identify the criteria used in teleological theory. The required reading for this unit is as follows: REQUIRED READING This unit will be an outline and exploration of moral theory, and an evaluation of the objective criteria pertaining to these theoretical positions in making ethical decisions. Traditionally many nurses would make the claim, that in a medical world, ethical decision making has nothing to do with them. This is an attitude that is changing rapidly, with nurses demanding increased autonomy, and a right to be involved in the ethical decision making process concerning patients. This process of decision making demands that one is capable of identifying, and clarifying, clearly and objectively, the issues involved. One must be open to all sides of the argument, and be able to combine reason, that is theoretical arguments, with the subjective aspects such as feelings, intuitions and compassion for the patient and family involved. Moral theory affords one an objective framework from which to work within. Traditionally two models of moral theory are used, deontological and teleological. Following the outline of both these positions, concrete case studies will be presented enabling you to incorporate the criteria used in these viewpoints. It is essential that you discuss and reflect on these cases with a colleague.