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Principlism or narrative ethics: must we choose between them?
1Department of Nursing Studies, University College Cork, Ireland. j.mccarthy@ucc.ie
Medical Humanities
|May 12, 2005
Summary
This study explores bioethics, comparing principlism and narrative ethics. It finds that effective ethical decision-making in healthcare requires integrating skills from both approaches, suggesting a synergy between them.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Medical Ethics
- Moral Philosophy
Background:
- Bioethics debate between principlism and narrative ethics.
- Principlism emphasizes moral principles; narrative ethics focuses on communication.
- Tensions exist between these two major bioethical frameworks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the contributions of both principlism and narrative ethics.
- To move beyond critiquing weaknesses and highlight the strengths of each approach.
- To identify overlapping skills required for healthcare professionals using these ethical frameworks.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis ('The forgetful mourner').
- Explanation of central tenets of principlism and narrative ethics.
- Comparative analysis of ethical decision-making skills.
Main Results:
- Both principlism and narrative ethics offer valuable insights into moral life.
- Ethical decision-making in healthcare benefits from understanding both perspectives.
- Healthcare professionals can develop integrated ethical skills.
Conclusions:
- A strong principlist approach incorporates narrative elements.
- Effective narrative ethics often requires adherence to principles.
- Both frameworks are complementary, enhancing ethical practice in healthcare.