1: The Principles of Bioethics, Utilitarianism & Kantian Deontology (15 points) Dr. Smith diagnoses a patient, Mr. Jones, with a very contagious and deadly disease. Dr. Smith strongly urges Mr. Jones to immediately inform all of his recent contacts (family members, co-workers, etc.) about his diagnosis in order to keep them, and others, from serious harm. Mr. Jones, however, refuses to inform anyone. He reminds Dr. Smith that she promised to keep all of his information confidential before he agreed to get tested. Dr. Smith wants to protect others from harm but she also wants to keep her word. At this point, Dr. Smith is unsure how to proceed. (a) Using Beauchamp & Childress’s Principles of Bioethics, what is Dr. Smith’s ethical dilemma? In your answer, be sure to identify the two principles that are in conflict for Dr. Smith and explain how they conflict. (b) According to Act Utilitarianism, what should Dr. Smith do? Your answer MUST include an application of the Principle of Utility that discusses: the consequences for both actions Dr. Smith could perform both good and bad consequences of each action everyone affected by the action (e.g., patient, the doctor, etc.) how the resolution produces the greatest balance of good over bad provides a clear resolution (i.e., what Dr. Smith ought to do according to the Principle of Utility). (c) According to Kantian Deontology, what should Dr. Smith do? Your answer MUST include an application of the Categorical Imperative that EITHER: Applies the Principle of Universalizability Follows and explains all three steps from the reading/lectures Provides a clear resolution (i.e., what Dr. Smith ought to do based on the Principle of Universalizability). -OR- Applies the Principle of Humanity Follows and explains the principle from the reading/lectures Provides a clear resolution (what Dr. Smith ought to do based on the Principle of Humanity). (d) Which theory, Utilitarianism or Kantian Deontology, do you think provides the best resolution and why? Question #2: Ross’s Prima Facie Duties (5 points) Wanda is a terminally ill patient who no longer has the capacity to make decisions. As such, her family is making decisions on her behalf. The family is insisting that the doctor, Dr. Vision, “does everything” to keep Wanda alive. Dr. Vision, however, would like the family to issue a DNR (do not resuscitate) order because he feels resuscitation would cause much more harm to the patient than good. It is very unlikely that Wanda would survive resuscitation. Even if she does, she will very likely not regain consciousness or live much longer. After explaining this to the family, they still refuse to issue the DNR. Dr. Vision isn’t sure what he should do since he doesn′t want his patient to suffer unnecessarily but he also feels obligated to respect the family′s wishes. (a) Using Ross’s Prima Facie Duties, what is Dr. Vision’s ethical dilemma? In other words, which two prima facie duties conflict in this case? (Be sure to include an explanation of where these two duties come from AND how they conflict). (b) According to Ross’s theory, which prima facie duty takes priority and why? (c) According to Ross’s theory, what can we do if someone disagrees with your answer from (b) AND how does this demonstrate a weakness in the theory? Question 3: Fundamental Concepts (5 points) Lavon is diagnosed with a severe bacterial infection. Left untreated, the infection will quickly become deadly. Luckily, a dose of antibiotics will easily cure the patient and save his life. However, it must be given to him intravenously (through an IV). After carefully explaining all the risks and benefits of the antibiotic, Lavon says he doesn′t want to take the medication. When Dr. Hart inquires as to why he is refusing care, Lavon says: “I want to live and I understand that this medication will save my life, but there is no way you are putting that needle in me. Just the thought of an IV makes my skin crawl! Just keep it away from me–it′s freaking me out!” (a) Based on the information given in the case, identify whether or not Lavon is autonomous and explain why. (If he is not autonomous, be sure to identify and explain which condition(s) of autonomy is missing.) (b) Which liberty limiting principle might justify overriding this patient’s refusal of care? (Be sure to explain which principle might be used and what type of justification it would require.) (c) If you were Dr. Hart, what would you do and why?
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