PHIL 434 Week 7 Scenario and Reflection Essay Template
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West Coast University *
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434
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Philosophy
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Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Week 7 Scenario and Reflection Essay
West Coast University
PHIL 434: Medical Ethics and Issues
12/17/23
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Week 7 Scenario and Reflection Essay
Introduction
The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a significant global health challenge, with the African Region bearing a disproportionately high burden. According to the World Health Organization, 50% of all new HIV infections worldwide originate from Africa, and as of 2022, 3.2% of people living with HIV were in this region (
Data on the Size of the HIV Epidemic
, 2023). This reflection
explores immediate courses of action to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Consideration will be given to ethical and moral theories to implement effective strategies for the urgency required to tackle this epidemic. Why I Feel the Way I Do
Before diving into the scenario, my views on the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa were shaped by a recognition of the severity of HIV around the world and the need for interventions that are impactful. The scenario presented various responses to address the crisis from distribution of condoms to mandatory HIV testing (Tosh, n.d.). As I considered the arguments, I was able to acknowledge the complex nature of the problem. The realization that a combination of approaches, including awareness campaigns and abstinence initiatives, could be effective without
infringing on personal liberties influenced my perspective.
Ethical Considerations and the Most Ethical Response
Among the responses presented in the scenario, I find the approach advocating for awareness campaigns and abstinence initiatives as the most ethical. This stance aligns with the principles of virtue ethics, emphasizing the development of good character and moral virtues. Virtue ethics, as advocated by Aristotle, focuses on fostering virtues such as compassion, responsibility, and prudence (Pence, 2021). The chosen response recognizes the importance of
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promoting virtuous behavior, such as abstinence, and underscores the ethical responsibility to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention.
This approach also supports elements of care ethics, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the moral obligation to care for others (Pence, 2021). By promoting awareness and abstinence, the scenario's response reflects a commitment to caring for the well-being of individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS. The emphasis on preventive measures through education and responsible behavior aligns with care ethics, reinforcing the ethical duty to prevent harm and promote collective well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa demands comprehensive action. The scenario, Annual ethics symposium: Evolving ethics: Public health and HIV/AIDS, presented
on WCU Canvas,
offered diverse responses, with the awareness campaigns and abstinence initiatives emerging as the most ethical approach (Tosh, n.d.). Grounded in virtue ethics and care
ethics, this response underscores the importance of fostering virtuous behavior and caring for the
well-being of individuals and communities. This reflective process has deepened my understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding public health interventions, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects individual liberties while prioritizing the greater good. Moving forward, I am more cognizant of the ethical dimensions inherent in addressing global health challenges and the importance of considering diverse perspectives in formulating effective strategies.
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References
Data on the size of the HIV epidemic. (2023, July 13). https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/hiv-aids/data-on-the-size-of-the-hiv-aids-
epidemic
Pence, G. (2021). Medical ethics: Accounts of ground-breaking cases
(9th ed.). McGraw Hill Education.
Tosh, N. (n.d.-a). Annual ethics symposium: Evolving ethics: Public health and HIV/AIDS
[Video]. Canvas@WCU. https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu/