QUALITY ANSWERS
PLS3701 ASSIGNMENT 1
2023 SEMESTER 2
DUE: 18 AUGUST 2023
Analyzing the Statement on Medical Choices and Ethical Approaches
The statement "All people have a right to make medical choices regarding their
own bodies" raises important ethical considerations. To analyze this statement,
we can examine it through the lens of three ethical approaches: deontological
ethics, teleological ethics, and virtue ethics.
Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics is a moral theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or
wrongness of actions, rather than the consequences of those actions. In the context of
individuals having the right to make medical choices regarding their bodies, there are
several examples of deontological principles that can be applied:
Respect for autonomy: Deontological ethics emphasizes the importance of respecting
individuals' autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own bodies. This
means that individuals have the right to refuse or consent to medical treatments,
procedures, or interventions based on their own values and beliefs.
Informed consent: Deontological ethics emphasizes the principle of informed consent,
which requires healthcare providers to provide individuals with all relevant information
about their medical condition, treatment options, potential risks, and benefits. Individuals
have the right to make decisions based on this information, and healthcare providers
have a duty to respect their choices.
Non-maleficence: Deontological ethics also emphasizes the principle of non-
maleficence, which means that healthcare providers have a duty to avoid causing harm
to individuals. In the context of medical choices, this means that individuals have the
right to refuse treatments or interventions that they believe may cause harm to their
bodies.
Confidentiality: Deontological ethics recognizes the importance of maintaining
confidentiality in the doctor-patient relationship. Individuals have the right to expect that
their medical information will be kept confidential, and healthcare providers have a duty
to respect and protect this right.
These examples illustrate how deontological ethics supports the idea that individuals
have the right to make medical choices regarding their bodies based on principles such
as respect for autonomy, informed consent, non-maleficence, and confidentiality.
, Deontological ethics focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions,
regardless of their consequences. According to this approach, individuals have a moral
duty to respect the autonomy and dignity of others. In the context of medical choices,
deontological ethics would support the statement by emphasizing the importance of
individual autonomy. It would argue that individuals have the right to make decisions
about their own bodies, as long as they do not harm others or infringe upon their rights.
Teleological Ethics
Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialism, evaluates the morality of actions
based on their outcomes or consequences. From a teleological perspective, the
statement can be supported if it leads to positive consequences, such as improved well-
being or increased overall happiness. However, teleological ethics also considers the
potential harm that could result from unrestricted medical choices. For example, if
someone's medical choices endanger their own health or the well-being of others,
teleological ethics may argue for limitations on individual autonomy. there are several
examples of teleological ethics that can be considered:
Utilitarianism: This ethical theory suggests that the right action is the one that
maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. In the
context of medical choices, utilitarianism would support individuals having the right to
make decisions that lead to the greatest overall happiness or well-being for themselves
and others affected by their choices.
Pragmatism: Pragmatic ethics emphasizes practicality and the consequences of
actions. In the context of medical choices, pragmatism would focus on the practical
benefits and outcomes of allowing individuals to make decisions about their own bodies.
It would consider factors such as personal autonomy, individual well-being, and the
potential positive impact on society.
Ethical Egoism: This ethical theory asserts that individuals should act in their own self-
interest. In the context of medical choices, ethical egoism would support individuals
having the right to make decisions about their bodies based on what they believe is best
for themselves, without undue interference from others.
Rights-based ethics: This ethical framework emphasizes the importance of individual
rights and freedoms. In the context of medical choices, rights-based ethics would argue
that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, as long as
those decisions do not harm others or infringe upon their rights.
Virtue Ethics