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Ethics in Health Education

2/9/2012. 2. 3 Major areas of Philosophy. Ethics is one of three major areas of philosophy

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Ethics in Health Education

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    1. 2/9/2012 1 Ethics in Health Education Dr. Pete LeRoy

    2. 2/9/2012 2 3 Major areas of Philosophy Ethics is one of three major areas of philosophy…for our purposes, ethics may be considered to be the same as moral correctness… The other two areas are Epistemology: the study of knowledge, and… Metaphysics: the study of the nature of reality.

    3. 2/9/2012 3 Ethical Behavior & Professionals Ethics delineates what we consider acceptable/unacceptable conduct… Ethics are especially important in Health Education because we serve our students Ethical behavior in health education means that we do what is “right” for our students… The question then becomes, “What is meant by the term “right?”

    4. 2/9/2012 4 Questions? Should doctors tell their patients they have a terminal illness? Should people of lesser ability be provided opportunities even though people of greater ability are excluded? Should teachers give out grades solely on the basis of student performance? Is there ever an exception to this rule?

    5. 2/9/2012 5 Ethical Theories Formalism (non-consequentialism) Consequentialism Formalism: The position that the act is either “right” or “wrong.” The formalist would say that lying is always wrong...no exceptions The end never justifies the means

    6. 2/9/2012 6 Ethical Theories Consequentialism: An act is viewed in terms of its consequences If an act produces goodness or happiness it is morally correct Proponents of this ethical theory believe that the end justifies the means

    7. 2/9/2012 7 Principles for Common Moral Ground Formalists and Consequentialists are not in agreement when it comes to the rationale for making moral decisions 5 basic principles have been advanced that can be applied to moral decisions regardless of the theory one embraces Value of Life principle Goodness (rightness) principle Nonmaleficence Beneficence (benevolence)

    8. 2/9/2012 8 Principles for Common Moral ground Justice (fairness) principle Truth telling (honesty) principle Individual freedom (autonomy) principle This principle of autonomy becomes important to health educators because of the need to respect the rights of those who refuse or ignore warnings about behaviors that jeopardizes heath.

    9. 2/9/2012 9 Value of Life principle No life should be taken for granted or ended without strong justification Without human beings there can be no ethics

    10. 2/9/2012 10 Goodness (rightness) principle Nonmaleficence advocates no harm to others. It encompasses not inflicting harm, removing harm, and preventing harm Beneficence means doing good

    11. 2/9/2012 11 The Process of Making Ethical Decisions Ethical Theory Formalism Consequentialism Principles for Common Good Value of Life principle Goodness (rightness nonmaleficence benevolence Justice (fairness) Honesty Autonomy Moral rules/codes/values Keeping promises Codes of ethics Respecting others Equal opportunity Judgments/decisions/actions Keeping promises to students/clients Not sharing confidential information Providing same information to all Not coercing others

    12. 2/9/2012 12 Considerations in Making Ethical Decisions Place. Be aware of the appropriateness of an action in a particular environment. One action might be appropriate in one setting, but not another. Time. Be aware of the history leading up to the decision and other similar decisions. Learn from past decisions. Identity. Who am I? How does this moral decision relate to me? Social relationships. Be aware that making moral decisions will impact social relationships. There is a good chance that not everyone will agree with your decision and action. The ideal. When making a moral decision, aim for the most noble ideals of humanity. The concrete. Never lose sight of the fact that choices arise from concrete events. Seriousness. When making a moral decision, do so with an attitude that is appropriate to the situation.

    13. 2/9/2012 13 Ethics in Health Education Who has the “right” to receive Health Education? Should health education be free to everyone? Why or why not? Are certain groups more “deserving” than others? How is this decided? Should students be required to undergo screenings for health risks? Should this information be made known to students and parents? Defend your position. Who should decide the issue of students screenings? To whom do you (health educator) due you owe allegiance? The school? The parents? The students? The profession of health education? Does health education have the “right” to change unhealthy behaviors? How much responsibility should the individual have? What about legislation and policies?

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