Moral Status: Case Analysis

 

will focus on introducing you to the question of human dignity and, in particular, the Christian perspective of the intrinsic worth and value of each person. You will have the opportunity to integrate this insight with scientific and philosophical approaches that inform judgements made in health care and contrast it with secular approaches to human value and worth. The logic of human rights will be made explicit as you engage with different concepts of “moral status.”

Based on your reading of the “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and topic Resources, complete the “Moral Status: Case Analysis” document, in which you will analyze the case study in relation to the following:

Christian view of the nature of human persons, theory of moral status, intrinsic human value, and dignity
Theory or theories used by individuals in the case to determine the moral status
How each theory used determines or influences recommendations for action
Moral status theory personal response
Integration of knowledge in health care (theories, multiple ways of knowing, evidence) and knowledge from other disciplines inform and support current or future professional health care practices and judgements

 

Sample Solution

Christian View of Human Persons

  • Imago Dei: Humans are created in the image of God, endowing them with inherent dignity and value.
  • Sanctity of Life: Human life is sacred from conception to natural death, regardless of circumstances.
  • Holistic View: Human beings are viewed as physical, spiritual, and social beings, interconnected and interdependent.

Theory of Moral Status

  • Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value: Consider whether human life has intrinsic value (inherent worth) or instrumental value (value as a means to an end).
  • Personhood: Explore different conceptions of personhood, such as cognitive criteria, relational criteria, or biological criteria.

Intrinsic Human Value and Dignity

  • Inalienable Rights: Discuss the concept of inalienable rights, which are rights that cannot be taken away.
  • Autonomy and Self-Determination: Explore the importance of autonomy and self-determination in understanding human dignity.

Theories Used in the Case

  • Identify the theories: Determine which theories of moral status or ethics were implicitly or explicitly used by the individuals involved in the case.
  • Analyze their implications: Discuss how these theories influenced their decisions and recommendations.

Moral Status Theory Personal Response

  • Reflect on your own beliefs: Share your personal perspective on moral status and how it relates to the case study.
  • Consider alternative viewpoints: Explore other ethical frameworks and how they might address the case differently.

Integration of Knowledge in Healthcare

  • Theories and Multiple Ways of Knowing: Discuss how various theories (e.g., ethics, philosophy, psychology, sociology) can inform healthcare practice.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice in making informed decisions about patient care.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledge the role of cultural and religious diversity in healthcare and the need to respect different perspectives.

By addressing these points, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the case study from a Christian perspective and explore the broader implications for healthcare practice.

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