An analytic approach to resolving problems in medical ethics

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Bioethics Education

Background:

• Ethical education for professionals requires systematic problem-solving methods.
• Classical moral philosophy offers frameworks for ethical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a systematic procedure for resolving moral problems in professional practice.
• To apply teleological and deontological ethical theories to a real-world case.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing teleological (consequentialist) ethical reasoning, focusing on outcomes.
• Employing deontological (duty-based) ethical reasoning, emphasizing rights and principles.
• Applying both frameworks to analyze the 1971 Johns Hopkins case.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrates how to systematically apply ethical theories to complex medical dilemmas.
• Analysis of the Johns Hopkins case highlights the practical application of teleology and deontology.
• The proposed method facilitates structured ethical deliberation.

Conclusions:

• A combined teleological and deontological approach provides a robust method for ethical decision-making.
• Systematic ethical procedures are crucial for professional education and practice.
• Case study analysis validates the utility of the outlined ethical framework.