PSY4220 Week 2: Ethical dilemmas and decision making

What are the two philosophical perspectives to ethics?

1. Consequentialism - ends justify the means 2. Deontology - some actions are intrinsically wrong regardless of the outcome

What is the difference between an ethical dilemma and a mixed dilemma?

An ethical dilemma involves a clash of ethical principles while a mixed dilemma involves a clash of an ethical principle with a non-ethical protagonist (e.g. the government or legal system).

What is consequentialism?

The philosophical stance underpinning ethics that incorporates utilitarianism. The ethical aim of these is to maximise happiness for as many people as possible.

What is Deontology?

The philosophical stance underpinning ethics that states that some actions are wrong, despite the outcome that may come about from them.

What type of dilemma is this? You believe ethically that you shouldn't release a patient's case history but the government issues a subpoena requiring you to do so.

This is an example of a mixed dilemma: a clash between ethical principles and a non-ethical protagonist.