Matrix of Ethical Theories
Instructions: Matrix of Ethical Theories
Identify the professional code of ethics for your professional specialty or a specialty that you are interested in,
describe the decision criteria, and analyze each theory using examples and the Ethical Theory Matrix Template.
Moral Theories, Principles of Health Care Ethics, and Professional Ethics Codes
Ethics is a branch of philosophy devoted to the study of morality. Ethics has a long history of theories about
determining right from wrong and identifying the principles of living a good life. For this assessment, you will be
asked to apply foundational principles in ethics, such as autonomy and justice, in a relevant health care setting.
Each profession within health care has its own code of ethical behavior designed to help individuals within that
profession to make sound ethical choices in carrying out the tasks and practices particular to their professional role.
It may be useful to locate one or more relevant codes of ethics for your current or desired career path. This research
will be beneficial to your professional development, and you will have a chance to apply it to the Tonya’s Case: Ethics
and Professional Codes assessment in this course.
Autonomy, Truth-Telling, and Confidentiality
These are broad-ranging topics, which, if taken alone, seem almost comically simple. Of course, rational people of
legal age should be able to make decisions concerning themselves and their minor children. Of course, medical
professionals should be honest with patients, and, of course, patients should be honest with members of their health
care teams. Of course, one’s medical issues should be kept private. But rarely are things as simple as they seem.
Take some time to scratch beneath the surface, and we encounter myriad ethical dilemmas.
Honesty tends to be a revered trait in many cultures. However, many people admit to lying occasionally, especially if
the intent is to spare someone pain, embarrassment, or anguish. Is lying to someone because of love, concern, or
reputation ever ethical?
Privacy and confidentiality are also important concepts. But are there limits? Can the greater good ever outweigh
the rights of individuals?
And at what point can others, whether an individual or an entity such as a government body, ethically determine
someone’s actions, fate, or choices? Fluoridated water, smoking regulations, compulsory K–12 education, and speed
limits are only a few examples of how we, as a society, agree to limited personal freedoms because these things are
good for us.
Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies
through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Articulate ethical issues in health care.
Articulate the time-tested theories of ethics.