Ethical Reasoning
This course has three written assignments that build upon one another and are designed to take you step-by-step through a process of writing a paper that identifies an ethical question, examines the context, issues, and arguments surrounding the question, and attempts to defend an answer to that question using strong moral reasoning.
In the Week 1 assignment, “Ethical Question,” you chose an ethical question, provided an introduction, a position statement and supporting reason, and an opposing position statement and supporting reason.
In the Week 3 assignment, “Applying an Ethical Theory,” you explained utilitarianism, deontology, or virtue ethics, including its core moral principle or ideal, and applied that theory to the topic by demonstrating how its principles would support a particular position on your ethical question.
In this final written assignment, you will combine what you have done in these two exercises by examining an ethical issue and defending your own position on an ethical question regarding that issue.
This final written assignment should be written in essay form with the following clearly labeled sections:
- Introduction
- Ethical Argument
- Explanation and Defense
- Objection and Response
- Conclusion
The paper should be between 1,300 and 1,500 words, utilize three scholarly resources, and include a title page and reference page.
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Introduction
Truth-telling is an important aspect of human interaction as it fosters effective communication and the establishment of mutual relationships. The need, to tell the truth, is emphasized in churches, at home, learning institutions, at work and the doctor-patient relationship (Drane & Reich, 2009). Considerably, physicians are required to sign the “Hippocratic Oath,” a consent that mandates them to uphold the profession’s code of ethics including truth-telling to establish an effective relationship with their patients. Besides, honesty matters to the patients as they are vulnerable and burdened with the disease and questions that need truthful answers. With this, physicians are bestowed with trust, a belief that they will be honest in their assertions for the benefit of both parties. It is through this conviction that patients can confide in physicians and seek advice from them.
(1,549 words)