1. Ethics refers to the study of moral principles and values that guide human behavior and decision-making. It involves examining concepts such as right and wrong, good and bad, and determining how individuals and societies should act.
2. Morality refers to the principles and beliefs about what is right or wrong, good or bad, that guide human behavior. It is often influenced by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
3. Kohlberg's theory of moral development focuses on the individual's cognitive reasoning abilities in moral decision-making. It proposes six stages of moral development, progressing from simplistic obedience to authority to the recognition and acceptance of universal ethical principles.
Gilligan's theory of moral development, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of relationships and compassion in moral decision-making. It suggests that women tend to prioritize care and compassion, whereas men tend to prioritize justice and rights in their moral reasoning.
4. Values are deeply held principles or standards that guide individuals' attitudes and behaviors. The six core ethical values are:
- Respect: Treating others with dignity, fairness, and consideration.
- Responsibility: Being accountable for one's actions and obligations.
- Integrity: Acting honestly, truthfully, and consistently with ethical principles.
- Compassion: Showing empathy, kindness, and concern for others' well-being.
- Fairness: Promoting equity, justice, and impartiality in decision-making.
- Trustworthiness: Being reliable, dependable, and maintaining confidentiality.
5. Ethical theories can be classified into three main categories:
- Teleological theories: Focus on the consequences or outcomes of actions to determine their morality. Examples include utilitarianism and consequentialism.
- Deontological theories: Emphasize the inherent nature of actions and whether they adhere to moral principles or duties. Examples include Kantian ethics and rights-based ethics.
- Virtue ethics: Focus on the character and virtues of individuals, emphasizing the development of virtuous traits to guide ethical behavior. Examples include Aristotelian ethics and eudaimonia.
6. Systematic methods for solving ethical problems include:
- Utilitarian approach: Evaluating the consequences of different actions and choosing the one that produces the greatest overall happiness or utility.
- Rights-based approach: Considering the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals when making ethical decisions.
- Justice-based approach: Ensuring fairness and equality in the distribution of benefits and burdens.
- Virtue ethics approach: Focusing on developing virtuous character traits and acting in accordance with ethical virtues.
- Ethical decision-making frameworks: Using systematic frameworks, such as the ethical decision-making model or ethical principles (e.g., autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice), to guide ethical problem-solving.
7. Professionalism refers to the conduct, behavior, and attitudes expected from individuals in a particular profession. It involves adhering to ethical standards, demonstrating competence, and maintaining a respectful and responsible demeanor.
Etiquette, on the other hand, refers to the social norms and customs that govern polite behavior in a particular context or society. It includes rules and guidelines for proper conduct, such as greetings, table manners, and respectful communication.
8. The six dimensions of professional behavior are:
- Competence: Demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to perform one's professional duties effectively.
- Reliability: Being dependable and fulfilling professional obligations and commitments.
- Honesty: Acting truthfully, transparently, and with integrity in all professional interactions.
- Respectfulness: Treating colleagues, clients, and patients with dignity, courtesy, and professionalism.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and their consequences.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with others, fostering teamwork and cooperation in achieving common goals.
These dimensions can be applied in the workplace by consistently demonstrating these behaviors and integrating them into professional relationships and interactions.
9. Human rights are inherent entitlements and freedoms that every individual possesses by virtue of being human. They include rights such as the right to life, liberty, and security, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.
Patient rights refer specifically to the rights and entitlements that individuals have as patients when receiving medical care. These rights include the right to informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, access to healthcare, and the right to refuse treatment.
10. Moral reasoning refers to the cognitive process by which individuals evaluate and make judgments about morally right or wrong actions. It involves considering ethical principles, values, and beliefs to determine the ethicality of a situation or decision. Moral reasoning often relies on logical thinking, empathy, and a consideration of the potential consequences and impact on others.
