Ethical theories in ethics

Ethical theories play an important role in ethics. Ethical theories provide a framework
that ensures that situations can be assessed and a decision-making formula adopted. Ethical
theories have become important belief systems that can be applied by different groups of
people. Two of the main ethical theories are utilitarianism and deontology. The two theories
have differing implications for medical health professionals.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that weighs right and wrong through a focus on the
outcomes. The theory holds that the most ethical choice is one that produces the greatest good
for the greatest number. The theory was developed by Jeremy Bentham. John Stuart Mills
also played a significant role in the development of the theory (M.U.S.E, 2020). Bentham
came up with a formula known as hedonistic calculus (M.U.S.E, 2020). The implication of
the formula is that ethical theories are ones that increase pleasure while lessening the amount
of pain and distress. Mill advanced the theory by suggesting that the quality of positive
feelings is a factor when defining the morality of an action (M.U.S.E, 2020). To this end,
utilitarianism suggests that decisions that amount to the greatest amount of benefit to the
greatest number of individuals should be chosen.
Deontology
Deontology is an ethical theory that focuses on the actions themselves as opposed to
the consequences of the actions. One of the major contributors to deontology ethical theory is
Immanuel Kant. Kant believed that all human beings have certain duties that they have to
respect. As a result, ethical decisions should be made based on the duties as opposed to
focusing on the outcomes of an action. (M.U.S.E, 2020) David Hume also contributed to the
theory by stating that the actions of individuals are founded on emotional responses to a

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situation. Emotions help in the exploration of moral values in response to a situation
(M.U.S.E, 2020).
Qualities of Each Theory Necessary for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals have to make important decisions in everyday life. Medical
professionals have certain obligations that they have to fulfill. Healthcare professionals are
always presented with moral dilemmas that make it necessary for them to make important
decisions that touch on the lives of patients (Mandal, Ponnambath, & Parija, 2016). Using the
utilitarian approach, medical professionals have to make decisions that result in the greatest
amount of benefit for the greatest number. Medical professionals have to calculate the
benefits as well as harms associated with certain decisions (Mandal, Ponnambath, & Parija,
2016). The qualities of the utilitarian ethical theory that are relevant to the healthcare
profession are ensuring that actions of healthcare professionals maximize benefit and
ensuring that the actions minimize pain and suffering. The decisions have to be based on the
evidence that presents itself in the healthcare setting.
In contrast, deontology gives healthcare professionals certain duties that have to be
followed. The nature of the actions defines the ethical decision to be made (Mandal,
Ponnambath, & Parija, 2016). The two qualities of deontology relevant to the healthcare
setting are healthcare professionals have duties and responsibilities, and decisions should be
founded on these duties and responsibilities (Mandal, Ponnambath, & Parija, 2016). The
duties and responsibilities help in preserving the character and integrity of healthcare
professionals.

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References

Mandal, J., Ponnambath, D. K., & Parija, S. C. (2016). Utilitarian and deontological ethics in
medicine. Tropical parasitology, 6(1), 5–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-
5070.175024
M.U.S.E. (2020). major ethical theories. Retrieved from
https://class.ctuonline.edu/_layouts/MUSEViewer/Asset.aspx?MID=18878869&aid=188788
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