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How to approach ethical issues ‐ a brief guide
Author(s) -
Stirrat Gordon M
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1576/toag.5.4.214.26927
Subject(s) - engineering ethics , contradiction , ethical issues , action (physics) , reading (process) , psychology , ethical theory , management science , epistemology , political science , law , engineering , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics
The practice of clinical medicine cannot be isolated from ethical judgements. These judgements must take full account of all the circumstances of the case and be based on sound principles. Decisions must be consistent, free from contradiction and clinically relevant. Some of the principles are outlined here and a guide is provided to facilitate the translation of ethical analysis into moral action. The purpose of this brief outline is to assist in the development of consistent, critical and reflective attitudes to ethical decision making. My aim is to make you think and the ‘further reading’ is designed to assist in this.