Introduction
Ethical theories are visions of our ethical responsibilities and guidance to a person’s decision-making. Ethical theories set standard rules to make people behave reasonably and discreetly when trying to clarify what is right and what is wrong. There are many types of ethical theories that affect every person differently. It is important to understand that all people think differently based on the ethical theory closest to them. Ethical theories undertake several life scenarios. For instance, working in a healthcare industry you need to tell parents that their sick child can be saved with special treatment, but parents refuse the treatment due to religious motives. There are two solutions which are starting to treat without permission or accepting parents’ decision. From my perspective, it would be better to accept parents’ requests and act accordingly to all rules to avoid conflicts.
Consequential theory
Theory meaning
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that depends on the result of a particular act. Actions are usually judged by what is right and what is wrong. For instance, lying is ethically unacceptable but it is right to do if it comes to saving. Consequentialism includes utilitarianism which is judged by a “greatest good for the greatest number” (McCombs School of Business, 2018). However, this ethical theory has several drawbacks, such as difficulties in predicting results and uncertainty of the future. Consequently, two sides of the coin should be taken into consideration while using consequentialism.
Consequentialism in scenario
Healthcare workers often face a problem of decision – making. The desire to save people’s lives sometimes does not allow doctors to understand that some patients want the opposite. Consequentialism plays a huge role in this scenario as in both cases results of the decision made can be either positive or negative. Saving a child’s life without parents’ permission might cause displeasure and lingering legal problems if they go to court. On the other hand, if parents’ request is accepted human life will not be lost due to the doctors’ fault.
Non – consequential theory
Theory meaning
Non – consequential theory, also known as deontology, is an ethical theory that uses rules to decide what is right and wrong. The term is closely associated with Immanuel Kant, who stated that all actions follow universal moral laws such as “do not lie”, “do not steal” and “do not cheat” (McCombs School of Business, 2018). In comparison with consequential theory, deontology does not require the future prediction of any situation. For example, a specialist working on a project that potentially might kill people cannot hack the system to save ordinary people as he must follow the organization’s rules. Otherwise, he can be fired or prosecuted.
Deontology in scenario
Acting according to treatment protocols is the responsibility of every healthcare worker. Decisions made by patients are the basis for further actions of doctors to stay professional and not break the established rules. In a particular scenario, accepting parents’ wishes is more beneficial for a doctor if status and workplace are the main priorities. However, the inner feeling that a child was not saved when there was an opportunity, might hunt for a long time.
Conclusion
Decision – making is one of the most challenging aspects of our lives, and it usually requires sacrifices. The role of ethical theories is controversial and should be taken into consideration while coming to final solutions. Otherwise, a chosen decision may be the result of negativity and misunderstandings.
References
McCombs School of Business (2018). Consequentialism | Ethics Defined . YouTube.
McCombs School of Business (2018). Deontology | Ethics Defined . YouTube.