Applying Ethical Theory

Assessment Instructions

Assessment Overview

You have now studied the three approaches to ethical theory (deontological, consequentialist, and virtue theory) as exemplified in the work of Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and Aristotle. Your assessment is to write an essay applying these three approaches to the following practical case:

You are called to consult in the critical care unit of your local hospital. The hospital admits JoEllen, 53, after she takes an overdose of prescription medications with alcohol. On admission, she says, “Not supposed to be here . . . ” and soon becomes uncommunicative. As her condition deteriorates rapidly, her son arrives with a notarized advance directive in which JoEllen specifically asks not to be placed on life support. What should you recommend to the attending health professionals?

Assessment Instructions

As you write your essay, consider how you would achieve the following:

• Explain the ethical issue in this scenario.
• Apply the three traditional theories of normative ethics to this situation.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the three theories as they relate to this situation.
• Apply ethical theory to justify your stance on the right thing to do in this situation.

Your instructor may provide video feedback on your work, as well as complete the official scoring guide for the assessment.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to current APA style guidelines.
• Number of resources: Use your judgment to ensure your topic is thoroughly researched. There is no minimum number of resources required.
• Length of paper: Submit 2–3 typed, double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Use Arial, 12-point font.

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Three Approaches

• Fieser, J. (n.d.). Ethics. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/
  • Pages 1–15.
• Hinman, L. M. (2016). Ethical theories. Ethics Updates?. Retrieved from http://ethicsupdates.net/theories/index.shtml
  • Pages 1–2.

SHOW LESS

Virtue Ethics

• Taylor, C. C. W. (2006). Aristotle: Nicomachean ethics, books II–IV. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Kemerling, G. (2011). Aristotle: Ethics and the virtues. The Philosophy Pages. Available from http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/2s.htm
  • Pages 1–3.
• Kraut, R. (2014, April 21). Aristotle’s ethics. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics…
  • Pages 1–27.
• Sachs, J. (n.d.). Aristotle: Ethics. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http:// http://www.iep.utm.edu/aris-eth/
• Tong, R., & Williams, N. (2009). Feminist ethics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-ethics…

Deontology

• Kant, I. (2002). Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
• Jankowiak, T. (n.d.). Kant: 5. Moral Theory. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/kantview/#H5
  • Pages 22–28.
• Johnson, R., & Cureton, A. (2016). Kant’s moral philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Spring 2018 Edition. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2018/entrie…
  • Pages 1–35.
• Kemerling, G. (2011). Kant: The moral order. The Philosophy Pages. Available from http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5i.htm
  • Pages 1–5.

Consequentialism

• Mill, J. S. (2009). Utilitarianism. Auckland, NZ: The Floating Press.
• Brink, D. (2014). Mill’s moral and political philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2016 Edition). Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2016/entrie…
  • Pages 1–72.
• Kemerling, G. (2011). Utilitarianism. The Philosophy Pages. Available from http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5q.htm
  • Pages 1–5.
• Schefczyk, M. (n.d.). John Stuart Mill: Ethics. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/mill-eth/
  • Pages 1–23.
• Sinnott-Armstrong, W. (2015). Consequentialism. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2015 Edition). Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2015/entrie…
  • Pages 1–25.

More on Ethics

• Three Kinds of Normative Theory.
• Applying Ethical Theory.
  • This activity can give you a better understanding of how to apply ethical theories and may be helpful for completing the assessment.
• NBC Learn. (n.d.). Ex-con saves baby on Georgia highway [Video].
  • In this video, you will see an example of ethical behavior.
  • Running time: 2:16.
• NBC Learn. (n.d.). Representative Tammy Duckworth shames man about claimed war wound [Video].
  • In this video, you will see an example of conflict over ethical issues.
  • Running time: 2:21.

Problem Solving

• Skillsoft. (n.d.). Critical thinking essentials: What is critical thinking? [Tutorial].
  • One of the Essential Undergraduate Learning Outcomes is “Problem-Solving,” which includes the soft skill of thinking critically about significant issues. Since we will be using this throughout the course, you may find it helpful to refresh your skills by viewing this Skillsoft tutorial.
  • Running time: 1:00:00.
• Skillsoft. (n.d.). The building blocks of building trust [Tutorial].
  • Respectful debate is fundamental to successful problem solving, since everyone has the right to a personal opinion. Trust is an essential part of this. Use this Skillsoft tutorial to grow at building trust in this setting.
  • Running time: 29:00.
• Academic Skills.
  • Check this page for more resources on critical thinking:
• Critical Thinking.
• Effective Learning Strategies.

Writing Support