Assignment scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Assignment scenario - Essay Example While the nurse has factual justification for the enforcement of her recommendation, is it possible that her apparent commitment to the health and welfare of the patient cannot be achieved by the disregard of her wishes? DEONTOLOGY One might argue that to care for the body in a way that yields emotional distress is self-defeating; What then, are the rules by which we can standardize the 'goodness' of an action or philosophy? Deontological ethics (deontology) is an obligation-centric ethical theory. Duty and rule-adherence are essential in that ethics, when anchored by rules and obligation connect the person with his or her duties. Deontologists may also follow a belief of moral absolutism, outcomes themselves become irrelevant; only duty, rule-adherence that can give us a basis for final moral arbitration. Combining these views, actions yielding positive outcomes but not resulting from strict adherence to a pre-existing code of conduct cannot be morally justifiable - regardless of ho w good it seems in retrospect. Ergo, if compelling the compression bandages is following a pre-ordained obligatory behavioral code, then the outcome of preventing swelling and sores is irrelevant, as is the outcome of the widow's displeasure. So long as the Nurse acts according to a protocol. The case of Ruth Symonds as pertaining to the implementation of Modern Medical Ethics. TELEOLOGY By contrast, Teleological beliefs and philosophies are outcome-based, or outcome justified. This principle can extend not only to philosophies as they inform decision making, but the natural sciences as well. Hanke, (2004) A tiger has stripes because stripes are needed for a tiger to live and hunt in the way that tigers live and hunt; therefore striped tigers are inevitable. But this does not inform the investigator as to the ultimate origins of behaviors or adaptations, and thus would not permit future investigators to extrapolate that observation into further predictions. It would then become nece ssary to devise an explanation whereby the root causes of the tigers' need for stripes and the consequences thereof are elucidated in terms of differential survival outcomes; before said stripes ever appeared. In the writings of Aristotle, the premise of teleology is expounded upon as a unifying meta-principle that he uses to apply holistic meaning to the forms seen within nature. All that exists must be whole and functional within the purvey of ultimate purpose; a purpose which he held to be human benefit. Schindler, (1986) But subsequent generations of scientific thinkers would be able to demonstrate the incompleteness of that presumption. While it is true that wheat may be very beneficial for human consumption, and that oxen may be advantageous as a source of cheap, brute force for human-guided industry, what of disease? The Smallpox virus is perfectly adapted to infect and proliferate amongst humans, and can only survive inside of a human being; does humankind exist solely for t he benefit of the Smallpox virus? Broader considerations like this must be kept in mind for anyone that adopts a presumptuous, just-so opportunistic teleology. It is difficult to entirely purge this kind of circularity from the field of biology, but attempts are being made by some biologists to remove assumptive references to a 'blind watchmaker', that presupposes final