Personal Ethics

Ethics is defined as the study of the moral value of human behavior. Ethics as a division of philosophy uses the methods of philosophy, not the methods of religion. In other words, it is not faith in the writings of religious figures which is used to develop ethical positions; it is the application of human reasoning to ethical issues. The following principles are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for medical service providers, managers, nurses or any one person working in a Health Service Organization (HSO).

The utilitarianism theory can be introduced by John Stuart Mill which argues that moral theories are divided between two distinct approaches: the act utility and the rule. Although both approaches agree that there is a single and highest normative principle, they disagree about whether we have knowledge of that act (without appeal to experience), or rule (though experience and observation). This basic structure can be applied to my current experience with running a private practice. Knowing the cost-benefit ratio of a product or device, allows me to make a decision solely based on rule utility. Even though it may be beneficial to patient undergo a test or procedure performed in the office, equipment cost, time allotment and other operating expenses may preclude the decision to acquire the equipment.

Next, Immanuel Kant’s theory is often called the "deontological" theory or "duty ethics". Kant developed a "universal test" to see if a rule could be a universal standard. If a rule can be made universal without contradiction, then it is morally good; if a rule cannot be made universal without contradiction, then it is morally bad. Not keeping your promise is morally wrong because you cannot make it a universal law that everyone can knowingly make promises with no intention of keeping them. Kant felt this was a contradiction in terms. When you say "I promise" while you are thinking you do...