It is hard to disagree that the four ethical theories, including Utilitarianism, Eudaemonism, Deontology, and Nietzschean Moral Skepticism, are usually manifested in various area of the modern world. At the same time, it may also happen that a specific area’s processes and operations would become more organized, beneficial, and informed if a particular ethical theory was implemented in it. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how Utilitarianism applied in healthcare and why the area of employment requires Deontology to be more present.
The essence of Utilitarianism is that an action should be performed in case and in a way it benefits the most people and brings the greatest good. In healthcare, decision-making is based on the principles of Utilitarianism in order to improve patient outcomes. For example, when there is an increased flow of patients, preference will be given by doctors to those who most need medical support at the moment. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic that causes the overwhelming demand to outstrip supply, providers should decide who should receive access to a ventilator, and usually, these are either significant and impactful figures or the most suffering patients.
Further, it would be better if Deontology would manifest more in the area of employment and workplace. Deontology dictates that an action is right if it is performed in accordance with various rules, including the laws of ethics and morale. For instance, as stated by different rules, all people are equal. Therefore, even if an employer knows that his female employee is likely to get pregnant soon, thereby causing losses to the company, he or she cannot fire her because this action will be wrong in accordance with the moral and state laws. Unfortunately, these cases, as well as the issue of the gender wage gap, are common in businesses, which is why Deontology is required.
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