A number of strategies exist within the world of medicine that acknowledges a number of very difficult dilemmas. In this paper, the case of premature births is explored from the perspective of Kant’s categorical imperative. This philosophy was chosen as it exhibits both standards found in rational and value-based ideologies. Kant’s thinking encourages the respect of another’s autonomy, intention, and sense of duty.
One of Kant’s strategies in implementing the categorical imperative includes treating the dilemma as one would treat humanity. The main principle included adherence to the concept of interacting with an individual as an end to themselves instead of a means to some other purpose (‘Moral Dilemmas… Can Ethics Help?’, 2016). Within medical settings, this includes treating patients that may not have autonomy in a traditional sense in a way that addresses their needs first. In the case of premature births, this would require medical staff to prioritize the child’s well-being and dignity above other factors such as the parents, the medical staff, or the cost. This allows for the implementation of this principle, that every individual is rational, or reasonable, and is subject to a universal moral law. It dictates that other reasonable individuals must respect the patients’ inherent dignity. Essentially, the concept personalizes the relationship between the patient and the doctor by implicating the common human element between all people.
Another vital aspect of Kant’s philosophy, which almost directly opposes consequentialism, includes the weight of intention over the gravity of the consequences. The principle emphasizes increased focus on the intention of action over the outcome of a procedure or a patient reaction. While this may sound ethically improper, and it may sometimes be, this model of procedure also encourages ethical and medical decision-making in order to uphold the patient’s well-being and dignity in a timely manner (Donaldson, 2017). Essentially, within the case of premature births, a doctor would intend to preserve the best chances of survival and integrity of the baby before they would consider the reaction of the parents or the consequences on themselves or other staff regardless of the outcome. Additionally, certain perspectives promote that if an outcome is negative, it is a direct reflection on the quality of the doctor. However, this type of perception does not account for the intention of the staff and is an inaccurate indicator of a doctor’s character.
Duty is a concept that is often overlooked within contemporary medicine, despite it having extensive roots in medical practice worldwide. Within Kant’s ideology, duty signifies acts that are in accordance with the concept that recognizes and affirms the dignity of oneself and others. As such, it is a direct indication that a physician has the obligation to treat patients as ends to themselves and that their role inherently places them in a position of duty towards patients. While this perspective is largely unenforced in modern medicine, it hosts a number of benefits that would enhance the performance of physicians. Essentially, approaching the profession with duty could turn it into a vocation that requires higher dedication and by extension, improved provision of services. A doctor following this perspective would likely react with a sense of duty towards the premature babies and this may have an effect on their ability to treat the patients.
Kant’s philosophy is not without flaws, as it may encourage the lack of positive outcomes if the intention is more important and lack rationality in certain circumstances. However, it largely encourages a humane approach within a very stressful, demanding, and evolving industry. Essentially, Kant’s perspective aligns the positive practices that are found in more rationality-oriented philosophies and virtue ethics on the basis of moral universal law.
Works Cited
Donaldson, Chase, M. “Using Kantian Ethics in Medical Ethics Education.”Medical Science Educator, vol. 27, no. 1, 2017, pp.841–845.
“Moral Dilemmas… Can Ethics Help?” Vimeo, uploaded by Be Boulder Anywhere, 2016. Web.