Share a demographic group of which you’re a member and one healthcare statistic that pertains to your demographic group. This can be based on any factor of your choosing, such as gender, age, sexuality, race, religion, education, nationality, ethnicity, disability, employment status, etc. (275 words)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Use Harvard referencing style.
2. Each question the word limit is 275
3. The assignments need to pass to me on Sunday at 0800 in the morning, September 9, 2018 Australian time.

Question 1: Share a demographic group of which you’re a member and one healthcare statistic that pertains to your demographic group. This can be based on any factor of your choosing, such as gender, age, sexuality, race, religion, education, nationality, ethnicity, disability, employment status, etc. (275 words)

 

 

Question 2: Which ethical theory – utilitarianism or deontology – appeals to you the most? Or is there an alternative theory you prefer? Explain why. (275 words)

CLASS LECTURED RELATED TO QUESTION no. 2

Ethical theories

 

  • Ethical theories are systems or plans used to deal with ethical dilemmas that hopefully enable the establishment of consistent and coherent processes when making ethical decisions. In health the two most frequently cited theories are:
  • Utilitarianism
  • Deontology

 

 

  1. Ethical theories: utilitarianism

One of the consequentialist ethical theories that is characterised by these principles:

  • Everyone should make choices that promote the greatest balance of good over harm for everyone.
  • An act is right when it is useful in bringing about a good end.
  • Consideration of the effects of action on everyone involved is encouraged.

 

Application of utilitarianism

  • Used when preparing cost/benefit analysis
  • All possible options are considered
  • Value of each option determined
  • Group benefit is valued
  • Option with highest total utility chosen

 

 

 

 

Weaknesses of the utilitarian view

 

  • End justifies the means
  • Difficulty identifying and measuring all of the possible benefits and negative consequences • Requires some prediction into the future

 

II.. Ethical theories: deontology

  • Decision-making is based on moral rules and unchanging principles
  • Derived from reason and applied universally
  • Looks at the intrinsic nature of an act
  • Determines its basic rightness or wrongness
  • Consequences of the act are irrelevant

 

Ethical theories: deontology

 

 Categorical imperative

 

– A command derived from a principle that does not allow exceptions

– Application of unconditional commands in a similar manner in all situations

 

  • Examples:

– Life is sacred. Killing is never justified.

– Medical research: value on freedom of choice. No subject should ever be tricked into participating.

 

Weaknesses of the deontological view

 

  • Does not consider the variety in real-life situations e.g. the need for a therapeutic abortion
  • Overly rigid
  • The disregard for consequences of action may lead to absurd results
  • Disagreement as to whether motivation is derived from universal values – one may be motivated by changing values instead.