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The Impact of Ethics on Decision Making Essay

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The Impact of Ethics on Decision Making

Ferrel and Gardiner (1991) say there are two criteria to ethical choices on top of being legal. The first being; “One does not infringe on the basic inalienable human rights – such as life, freedom of speech and privacy, due process – recognized by our society (ethical formalism).” Basically stating the respect of others should be considered in all decisions. The second states each person should strive towards an increase in self-esteem and mental health. Maintaining self-respect should be thought of in the decision making process.

We all face decisions in every day life, some appear obvious and easy while others do not. People are always struggling with their ethics …show more content…

If the woman, in the parked car, had thought about the consequences of her actions she would have realized she was in the wrong and perhaps not have sued the innocent person.

Ferrel and Gardiner mention along with some decisions comes a price of short-term stress or a degree of conflict and pain. Many people battle the decision of whether their personal values outweigh what is legally right. As is most situations within the medical field. Knowing that each person has his or her own values and beliefs is one thing. It’s another to accept this fact though. Within the medical field this is a conflict that arises often. By law, medical personnel must learn to put their own personal beliefs aside and abide by the wishes of the patients and families. If they don’t, the risk of being sued is high. Which is ethical though? Abiding the wishes of the patient or ones own beliefs? Many battle the “If I turn this machine off this person will die, it will be my fault.” This is a decision one should make prior to entering the field.

Perhaps the above number four, regarding the newspaper issue, may not be pertinent, but the issue raises a good point. A better way of looking at it might be: If looked at from the perspective of others, how will it appear? What will the public eye think about the decision made? If a Senator agrees to a tax increase after one was just established how are the constituents going to react? The person in

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