What is an ethical decision? (3)
1) Seriously impact the welfare of others
2) Have priority over others
3) Justification
Why teach ethics in veterinary science (4)
1) Ethical awareness
2) Ethical Knowledge
3) Ethical Skills
4) Individual and Professional Qualities
Ethics 1 vs. Ethics 2
Ethics 2 is the study of Ethics 1
Components of Ethics 1
- Right vs wrong
- Good vs bad
- Contradictory or conflicting beliefs
- Social ethics
- Personal ethics
- Professional ethics
Components of Ethics 2
- Study of ethics 1
- Analysis of ethical proportions
- How is ethics 1 justified
- Are ethics 1 of this person/group/organization upheld?
Day 1 Competencies (3)
1) Ethical responsibilities
2) Applying ethical codes
3) Recognizing when euthanasia is necessary
Good examples of ethical issues
- cosmetic procedures (ear crop, tail dock)
- request to destroy healthy dog
- funding of treatment
- continuing of treatment when quality of life is poor
5 influences on our perception
1) Sensory input
2) Predjustices
3) Beliefs
4) Expectations
5) Chemistry
Ethics “definition”
Refers to beliefs, principles, and rules determining what is right and wrong
3 main ways to react to an ethical scenario
1) Consequentialist
2) Utilitarian
3) Deontology
Consequentialist approach
- More commonly known as the utilitarian approach
“cost/benefit” thinking to produce the best outcome
Utilitarian/consecquentialist approach
“Greatest good for the greatest number”
Good consequence = Good behaviour
Problems
- predicting outcomes
- gross inequality
- doesnt recognize rights of individuals
Deontology
Choice/action is right if it conforms with moral norm
- some choices are morally forbidden
- right prioritized over good
- “its the thought that counts”
Strengths of Utilitarianism/consequentialism (3)
1) suffering is morally relevant
2) interests of the majority
3) aim to achieve the best outcome
Limitations of Utilitarianism/consequentialism (5)
1) needs accurate prediction of outcome
2) who/what is greatest good for greatest number debate
3) used to justify gross inequality
4) impossible to compare good/harm
5) favours “lucky fool”
Advantages of Deontologic approach (3)
1) takes intent into account
2) takes individual rights into account
3) deontology reflects language of law
Limitations of Deontologic approach (4)
1) doesnt take context into account
2) inflexible
3) Absurd - duty or doing the “right thing” may lead to an ethically unsound outcome
4) how do you prioritize animals right to life over persons right to use?
Principalism
focuses on the common ground moral principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice
Advantages of Principalism (4)
- emphasis on harm minimization
- promoting good
- requires disclosure of information
- treats stakeholders fairly
Disadvantages of Principalism (4)
- autonomy is hard to apply to animals
- most interventions involve some harm
- application of “justice” to animals is hard
- hard to weigh different principles
Virtue
Character trait that is reliably present in an individual
“What would a good vet do?”
Strengths of Virtue Ethics (3)
1) Holistic
2) Role Based
3) Emphasis on personal development
Limitations of Virtue Ethics
1) Conflict between virtues
- ex) Honesty and Loyalty
2) “good” people can make “bad” decisions
- does that make them non-virtuous?
What is the Ethical Matrix
A table to allow an individual to “look at the big picture” and make an educated decision
Left column: Stakeholders
Top Row: 1) Wellbeing (Ultruism)
2) Autonomy (Deontology)
3) Justice (Principlalism)
