Non-Consequential Theories of Morality
Kant’s ethics and comprehension of moral is fully opposed to consequentialism. In particular, it repudiates the idea that the nature of moral order results in sentiment and emotion. On the contrary, his vision of morality consists in purity and absolutism of human actions where the main underpinning of morality is reason (Waluchow, 2003, p. 173). In addition, the philosopher objects to consequences as identifiers of morality.
So, the moral order and the rightness of action are predetermined by absolute principles. However, the presented theory has certain misconceptions and contradictions, particularly when opposing it to ethics of virtues.
Certainly, there are certain moral absolutes that must be observed, such as religion, faith, and cardinal virtues established in society. However, due to the fact that morality is considered to be a social product, such concepts as tradition, faith, and truth can be regarded as relative (Finnis, 1991, p 3). Due to the fact that sometime moral judgments are predetermined by ethical subjectivism, morality can involves emotional charge. In particular, moral relativism rejects the idea that all actions are purely right or wrong.
Ethics of Medical Confidentiality
According to Giesen (1988), “… the medical duty of secrecy corresponds with the patient’s right to see his human dignity and privacy respected by all others” (p. 406) On the one hand, the necessity to keep information in secret is aimed at protecting patients’ rights to privacy for the sake of their health. However, there are cases when the only way for saving patient’s life is to reveal the medical information to other people. However, the medical confidentiality is not welcomed when dealing with legal issue. There should be a specific law that avoids confidentiality in court because it can be decisive in accusing a criminal. In such cases, it is necessary to ask for patient’s consent to reveal the private data in order to minimize the infringement of ethical codes (McHale, 1993, p. 98).
Medical confidentiality is also based on ethical reasoning and presupposes that doctor is prohibited to unveil the information until permitted by a patient. Relying on consequentialist moral theory, in case information discovery is morally justified by its good consequences than, this action can be approved. However, deontology radically objects to this action.
Reference List
Finnis, J. (1991). Moral absolutes: tradition, revision, and truth. US: CUA Press, 1991.
Giesen, D. (1988). International medical malpractice law: a comparative law study of civil liability arising from medical care. US: BRILL.
McHale, J. V. (1993). Medical Confidentiality and Legal Privilege. NJ: Routledge.
Waluchow, W. J. (2003). The Deontological Ethics of Immanuel Kant. The Dimensions of ethics: an introduction to ethical theory. US: Broadview Press. pp. 173-185.