IHP420- Module 1-2 Ethics worksheet
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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IHP-340-X2
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Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by CaptainBarracudaMaster969
IHP 420 Ethical Theories Worksheet
Part One
Propose a solution to the following scenario using each of the five ethical theories presented in this module. Explain how your solution aligns with the major ideas within each theory.
Scenario: There is a pandemic of a contagious disease. In the United States, there is only enough of the vaccine to cover 70% of the population. How do you determine who gets the vaccine?
Theory
Solution
a.
Utilitarianism
Prioritize vaccine distribution based on maximizing overall well-being. Ex: Utilitarianism emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number. In this context, the vaccine should be distributed to individuals whose vaccination would lead to the most positive outcomes, such as preventing the spread of the disease and minimizing overall harm.
b.
Rights-based ethics
Allocate vaccines based on a fair and just system that respects individuals' right to health. Ex: Rights-based ethics prioritize individuals' rights and freedoms. A fair and transparent system should be established, possibly considering factors like vulnerability, essential worker status, or pre-existing health conditions. This respects each person's right to protection from harm and access to healthcare.
c.
Duty-based ethics
Distribute vaccines based on the duty to protect the most vulnerable and essential workers. Ex: Duty-based ethics, rooted in principles and obligations, suggests that individuals have duties to protect others. In this scenario, healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions might be prioritized, aligning with the duty to care for the vulnerable and those contributing significantly to societal well-
being.
d.
Justice-based ethics
Employ a fair and equitable vaccine distribution system that considers societal needs and individual contributions. Ex: Justice-based ethics emphasizes fairness and equity. A fair distribution
would take into account factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and essential roles in society, ensuring that access to the vaccine is not disproportionately skewed towards any particular group.
e.
Virtue-based ethics
Encourage a virtuous society by prioritizing vaccination based on virtues such as compassion
Part Two
Consider the same scenario, but explain what process you would need to add to your solution to protect
the bioethics principles.
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Principle
Solution
a.
Autonomy
Establish an informed consent process and prioritize individual choice in vaccine acceptance. Ex: To protect the principle of autonomy, individuals should be provided with comprehensive information about the vaccine, its benefits, risks, and potential side
effects. They should have the freedom to make an informed decision about accepting or refusing the vaccine, ensuring that their autonomy is respected.
b.
Beneficence
Implement a comprehensive public health education campaign to highlight the benefits
of vaccination. Ex: To uphold the principle of
beneficence, it is essential to promote the well-being of the population. A robust public
health education campaign would ensure that individuals are aware of the benefits of vaccination, not only for their own health but also for the collective benefit of preventing the spread of the contagious disease.
c.
Nonmaleficence:
Rigorously assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine before distribution. Ex: Nonmaleficence emphasizes the duty to "do no harm." To adhere to this principle, it is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccine through thorough testing and evaluation. Only vaccines with proven safety
records should be distributed to prevent unintended harm.
d.
Justice
Implement a fair and transparent allocation system that considers various demographic factors. Ex: To align with the principle of justice, a fair vaccine distribution system should be established. This system should consider factors such as age, health status, socioeconomic conditions, and essential worker roles to ensure equitable access to the vaccine, avoiding any unjust disparities in its distribution.