Premium
An ethic of the fitting: a conceptual framework for nursing practice
Author(s) -
Tuckett Anthony G.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
nursing inquiry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.66
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1800
pISSN - 1320-7881
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1800.1998.00241.x
Subject(s) - deontological ethics , utilitarianism , compassion , ethos , duty , ethical theory , conceptual framework , epistemology , psychology , sociology , engineering ethics , nursing , philosophy , medicine , political science , law , engineering
An ethic of the fitting: a conceptual framework for nursing practice Nurses are expected to act within an ethos of care cognisant of duty, the right, and the good. Concepts of virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontology are used to outline a conceptual ethical framework for nurses in practice. This ‘Moebius’ framework aims to locate the virtues in a symbiotic relationship with the principles of utilitarianism and deontology. Under this framework, fitting ethical responses are sought. Within an ethic of the fitting, rules and principles do not guarantee the most ethically justifiable outcomes. Within the Moebius approach, the nurse ought to respond with a sense of compassion that befits the moment rather than adhere to a rule at all costs.