Greater Good Analysis

 

 

Option 1: The first option is to name and describe in detail a key specific and recent healthcare technology. What are at least two key moral problems this technology creates? What are the proper moral guidelines for dealing with it in your view? Compare your approach to what a utilitarian and ethical egoist would say (each independently). Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

Option 2: In the second option, name and describe in detail a key specific and recent social technology. What are at least two key moral problems this technology creates? What are the proper moral guidelines for dealing with it in your view? Compare your moral approach to what a utilitarian and social contract ethicist would say (each independently). Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

Option 3: John Doe, Patient One, is in late stage of kidney disease. If he does not receive a new kidney, then he is predicted to die within a week. Doe is 45, single, and has no children. Doctors theorize that Doe damaged his kidney by not following a low-salt diet. Doe inherited one million dollars and is known for giving money to charity. Without a transplant, he will probably be forced to spend all his money searching for a kidney outside of the usual legal channels. Patient Two is Jane Doe (no relation to John). Patient Two is a mother of two children (ages 21 and 24). She is divorced and 55 years old. She developed kidney problems due to eating a high-fat and high-sugar diet. If she does not receive a kidney within one month, doctors believe she will die. Patient Three is an orphan. This orphan lives in a state facility. She was born with a genetic condition that constantly damages her kidney. The only known approach to her condition is to provide her with a kidney transplant every so often. She is 11 and has already undergone two kidney transplants. She will perish in two months if she does not receive another transplant.

All three patients are at the same hospital. The hospital only has one kidney to give out. The orphan’s birth parents were known to be of a religion that is opposed to organ donation. The other patients come from religions that do not oppose organ donation. Who should get the kidney? Why should that candidate receive it over the others? Devise a course of social action and a solution for this case by using the ethics of egoism and then utilitarianism to a key moral conflict involving health care in this case. Appraise the interests of diverse populations (in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) and how they relate to the case. Consider whether differing ethical beliefs globally might or not agree with what you say.

 

 

Sample Solution

Key Considerations:

  1. Patient Needs: Each patient has different circumstances and urgency:
    • John Doe is young with potential recovery but faces financial limitations.
    • Jane Doe has dependents and dietary-related illness.
    • The orphan has a chronic condition requiring ongoing transplants.
  2. Ethical Frameworks:
    • Egoism: Prioritizes individual self-interest. Could argue for John Doe due to financial resources or the orphan due to future potential.
    • Utilitarianism: Aims for the greatest good for the most people. Consider maximizing life expectancy or societal contributions.
  3. Social and Cultural Factors:
    • Religious beliefs on organ donation can influence allocation decisions.
    • Global perspectives on age, family relationships, and disability may vary.

Exploring Solutions:

Utilitarian Approach:

  • Calculate the potential “quality-adjusted life years” each patient could gain with the kidney.
  • Consider societal impact, like the orphan’s dependence on others and Jane Doe’s role as a caregiver.
  • This might favor the orphan or Jane Doe based on extended life expectancy and impact on others.

Egoistic Approach:

  • Focus on individual benefit. John Doe’s financial resources could allow him to access alternative options, potentially favoring him.
  • The orphan’s future potential and lack of self-advocacy could also be considered from an egoistic perspective.

Addressing Ethical Concerns:

  • Justice: Ensure fair and unbiased allocation, avoiding discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or other factors.
  • Transparency: Communicate the decision-making process and criteria clearly to all stakeholders.
  • Respect for Autonomy: Consider patients’ individual preferences and religious beliefs, if applicable.

Global Considerations:

  • Recognize diverse cultural and religious views on organ donation and prioritize respectful dialogue.
  • Adapt decision-making processes to consider local contexts and values while upholding ethical principles.

Remember:

  • There’s no single “correct” answer, and each approach has strengths and limitations.
  • The goal is to find a solution that maximizes fairness, respects individual needs, and considers the broader societal impact.
  • Open communication, transparency, and ethical considerations are crucial throughout the process.

I encourage you to delve deeper into these frameworks and consider how they might be applied in specific situations. Remember, real-world scenarios often involve complexities beyond theoretical models, and consulting medical professionals and ethicists is crucial for navigating sensitive decisions.

 

This question has been answered.

Get Answer
WeCreativez WhatsApp Support
Our customer support team is here to answer your questions. Ask us anything!
👋 Hi, Welcome to Compliant Papers.