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
People who are fatally sick and have serious health conditions would most likely not receive the vaccine. People who are healthy and have a longer life expectancy would receive it. b.
Rights-based ethics
The vaccine would be offered to everyone no matter what state their health is in nor their age
c.
Duty-based ethics
This would mean all healthcare workers would be
offered the vaccine to stay healthy
d.
Justice-based ethics
This would mean first come first serve. e.
Virtue-based ethics
It would be up to the healthcare provider to decide who gets the vaccine and who doesn’t.
Part Two
Consider the same scenario, but explain what process you would need to add to your solution to protect
the bioethics principles.
