Deciding What

1
Deciding Whats Right A Prescriptive Approach

• Chapter 4

2
Consequentialiest Theories

• Focus on attention on results or consequences of
  the decision or action
• Utilitarian Approach
• Deontological Theories
• Virtue Ethics

3
Utilitarian Approach

• Best known
• Maximize benefits to society and minimize harms
• Approach an ethical dilemma by identifying the
  alternative actions and their consequences for
  all stake holders
• Difficulties with approach

4
Deontological Theories

• Base decisions about whats right on a broad,
  abstract universal ethical principles
• Some actions can be wrong even if the
  consequences of the action were good
• Some rely on Western biblical tradition
• Kants categorical imperative
• Challenges

5
Virtue Ethics

• Focuses on integrity of the moral actor than on
  the moral act itself
• Considers actors character, motivations, and
  intentions
• Community standards
• Disclosure rule

6
Eight Steps to Ethical Decision Making

• Gather the facts
• Define the Ethical Issues
• Identify the Affected Parties
• Identify the Consequences
• Identify the Obligations
• Consider you Character and Integrity
• Think Creatively about Potential Actions
• Check Your Gut

7
Practical Preventative Medicine

• Do your homework
• Learn rules of organization and profession
• Ask questions
• Develop relationships outside of your chain of
  command

8
Practical Preventative Medicine

• When you are asked to make a snap decision
• Dont underestimate a hunch that you are facing
  an ethical dilemma
• Ask for time to think it over
• Find out if your company has a policy that
  applies to your decision
• Ask your manager or peers for advice
• Use the quick-check New York Times test