This document discusses two theories of ethics - utilitarian ethics and principle-based ethics - and how they would apply to a scenario where a doctor must decide whether to override a patient's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order to fulfill the wishes of the patient's family members. Under utilitarian ethics, which aims to benefit the majority, the doctor would override the DNR; but under principle-based ethics, which focuses on individual rights, the doctor would honor the patient's signed DNR as their right and wish. The document analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

1. Theories of
Ethics
UNIV 3540 Ethics & Professionalism
Savannah Thompson

2. The Dilemma
• An unresponsive patient is brought to the
emergency room by family members. The
patient has a known terminal illness and a
known signed DNR. Is it ethical for the doctor
to override the patient’s DNR to revive and
treat the patient and fulfill the wishes of the
family members?

3. Utilitarian Ethics
• This theory says is based on making a decision
that will benefit the overall good for the
majority; deciding based on the consequences
for an action
• Strengths: Benefits the majority of the people
• Weaknesses: Could potentially be catastrophic
to the ones who are not benefitted, depending
on the situation

4. Decisions, Decisions
• If I were making my decision based on utilitarianism, I
would decide to have the doctor override the DNR and
take care of the patient.
• Though this decision goes against the patient, it
benefits the majority of the family.

5. Principle-Based Ethics
• This theory is established on making decisions
based on rights, responsibilities, and
principles.
• Strengths: Individuals’ rights are considered
rather than the greater good
• Weaknesses: It is hard to determine exactly
when something becomes a “right” and not
just a “want”

6. Decisions, Decisions
• If I were making my decision based on principle-based
ethics, I would decide to make the doctor support the
patient’s signed DNR.
• The DNR is a right and wish of the patient when they
were coherent and should be honored.