Ethical theories allows us to bring different perspectives into our ethical discussion.

1. Mulugeta Hailu(Bsc in PH, MPH-HSM)

2. Ethical Theories may be compared to lenses
that help us to view an ethical problem.
They allows us to bring different perspectives
into our ethical discussions
There are Four Ethical Theories:
•Deontology
•Teleology
•Intuitionism
• Virtue Ethics

3.  a Greek words „Deon‟ (duty) and „logos‟ (truth)
 The theory proposes that the rightness or wrongness of
an action depends on the nature of the act rather than
its consequences.
 It holds that you are acting rightly when you act
according to duties and rights.
 Therefore, it is not logically necessary to justify duties
by showing that they are productive of good.
 Only What is right and Wrong? is the moral question not
What is good and bad?
 Disadvantage: It doesn't allow any flexibility for
exceptions when duties conflict.
 E.g. Killing punishment and Abortion are not right

4.  The term „Teleology‟ derives from the Greek „teleo‟ (end) and
„logos‟(truth).
 The question of rightness or wrongness is answered in terms
of the question of goodness. It tries to establish a balance of
good over bad consequences.
 It is focused on society versus individual.
 This theory looks to the consequences of an action in judging
whether that action is right or wrong.
 Utilitarian hold that no action in itself is good or bad, the only
factors that makes actions good or bad are the outcomes or
end results that are derived from them
 Disadvantage:-individual human rights can be sacrificed
to attain a social goal and Predicting and evaluating the
consequences of actions is often very difficult.

5.  As its name implies, uses ethical principles as the basis for
making moral decisions.
 it applies these principles to particular cases or situations
in order determine what is right thing to do, taking into
account both rules and consequences.
 Four principles in particular have been identified as the
most important for ethical decision making in medical
practice.
 Principles do indeed play an important role in rational
decision making.
 However, the choice of those four principles, especially the
prioritization of respect for autonomy over the others, is
difficult.
 Moreover, these four principles often clash in particular
situations and there is need for some criteria or process
for resolving such conflicts.

6.  Virtue ethics focuses less on decision-making and more
on the character of decision-makers as reflected in their
behavior.
 It assumes ethical behavior follows from
characteristics/traits that people acquire.
 People will do the right thing because they have developed
virtuous habits.
 As noted above, virtues that are especially important for
health professionals are compassion, courage, generosity,
commitment and responsibility.
 Protecting and enhancing client dignity are also the other
virtues.
None of these four approaches or others that have been proposed has
been able to win universal assent.
Perhaps a combination of all four approaches that includes the best
features of each is the best way to make ethical decisions rationally.