Reflecting on Ethics Learning Journey: From Theory to Application

QUESTION

Now that you have had an opportunity to explore ethics formally, think of a reflective assessment of your learning experience and the collaborations you engaged in throughout this session. You will submit both of the following:

A written reflection

An oral presentation using a PowerPoint narrated slide show.

For the written reflection, address Jane Doe’s and respond to the following:

Articulate again your moral theory from week eight discussion (You can revise it if you wish). What two ethical theories best apply to it? Why those two?

Apply to Jane Doe’s case your personal moral philosophy as developed in week eight discussion and now. Use it to determine if what Jane Doe did was ethical or unethical per your own moral philosophy.

Propose a course of social action and a solution by using the ethics of egoism, utilitarianism, the “veil of ignorance” method, deontological principles, and/or a theory of justice to deal with students like Jane. Consider social values such as those concerning ways of life while appraising the interests of diverse populations (for instance, those of differing religions and economic status).

For the oral presentation, briefly summarize your feelings about taking a course in Ethics and explore your process of transformation in this course.

Discuss your experiences of the course, your beginnings, and where you are now. Consider your interaction in discussions.

Should health care workers be required to take a course in Ethics? Why or why not

ANSWER

Reflecting on Ethics Learning Journey: From Theory to Application

Written Reflection:

Moral Theory and Ethical Theories:

Throughout this course, I have developed and refined my moral theory. I believe in a Virtue Ethics approach, emphasizing the development of virtuous character traits and moral values to guide ethical decisions. Two ethical theories that best apply to my moral theory are Virtue Ethics and Care Ethics. Virtue Ethics aligns with my belief in fostering virtuous character traits, while Care Ethics underscores the importance of empathy, care, and relationships in ethical decision-making.

Application to Jane Doe’s Case:

Applying my moral philosophy to Jane Doe’s case, I would evaluate her actions as unethical. In my view, ethical behavior should be rooted in the development of virtuous character traits such as honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Jane’s act of cheating in exams contradicts these virtues and, therefore, falls short of ethical standards based on my moral philosophy.

Course of Social Action and Solution

To address students like Jane, a comprehensive approach is required, considering various ethical theories and social values.

Utilitarianism: Implement preventive measures, such as increasing awareness of academic integrity and providing academic support, to minimize cheating’s social harm.

Deontological Principles: Emphasize the duty of academic institutions to uphold and enforce strict ethical codes, including consequences for unethical behavior.

Theory of Justice: Ensure fairness in handling cases of cheating, taking into account individual circumstances and considering restorative justice practices.

The “Veil of Ignorance” Method: Design academic policies and procedures as if we don’t know the students’ backgrounds, fostering fairness and impartiality.

Oral Presentation

Reflecting on my experience in this Ethics course, I feel enriched and transformed. I began with a foundational understanding of ethics, but this course deepened my knowledge, encouraged critical thinking, and broadened my ethical perspectives. The engaging discussions allowed me to explore diverse viewpoints, enhancing my ethical reasoning.

My transformation is evident in my ability to apply ethical theories and principles to real-world scenarios, like Jane Doe’s case. I now consider virtues, empathy, and the impact of actions on individuals and society. This course has equipped me with the tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas effectively.

Should healthcare workers be required to take a course in Ethics? Absolutely. Ethical competence is essential for healthcare professionals, as they make critical decisions that impact patients’ well-being. An ethics course provides a foundation for ethical reasoning, enhances communication skills, and reinforces the importance of empathy and care in healthcare practice. It ensures healthcare workers are equipped to provide ethical, patient-centered care, making it a fundamental requirement in the field.