| Theory | Decision Criteria | Your Own Example | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Utilitarianism | This theory is among the top influential moral theories in the field of health care. The central concept of the theory is based on whether an action is ethically right or wrong according to its effects. Therefore the decision, according to this theory, is made to offer the greatest good for the largest group. | A hospital setting a target for revivifying premature newborns. | Enhances productivity and efficiency. | The rights of the minority are widely ignored. |
| Kantian Ethics | This theory identifies that the moral character of a certain action relies on the principle guiding it rather than the outcomes that it generates. Thus, moral responsibilities are ‘greater truths’ that health care practitioners must obey irrespective of the consequences. | Considering the case where abortion is to be carried, the decision of the mother should be obeyed despite the consequences that may arise. |
Acknowledges the importance of human autonomy. It is not ends based; thus, it avoids criticisms of consequentialist principles. |
Through the application of categorical imperative, It inclines to consequentialist theories. |
| Ross’s Ethics | The decision in Ross’s ethics is viewed as sufficiently moral when it ‘fits the past.’ Therefore, if the moral theory does not ‘stand better the test of reflection,’ it is not sufficient to be considered. | Relieving the suffering of a person. | A practitioner should consider the solution to a problem that ranks highest. | The theory does not clarify what a practitioner should absolutely do when encountered with a certain situation. |
| Natural Law Ethics | The idea behind making the decision applying this theory is that human beings have intrinsic values that oversee our behavior and reasoning (Zwitter, 2019) . Therefore, when deciding whether something is wrong or right depends on the inherent values guiding a person and not legal nor societal laws. | When you are watching a documentary about World War I, you tend to feel for individuals who suffered due to that war. | Human dignity is highly valued | The law does not consider the impact of the outcomes. |
Reference
Zwitter, M. (2019). Ethical Theories. In Medical Ethics in Clinical Practice (pp. 15-22). Springer, Cham.
It’s time to jumpstart your paper!
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
