Evaluation of Fundamental Ethical Theories and Principles of Medical Ethics



Shomali MA¹ ; Momeni G² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: Basic ethics theories are the unfailing philosophical foundations and thoughts that formulate the origin of stable ethical principles. Regard to the effect of ethics on medical decisions, it is indispensable to explore these foundations in order to compile the principles of medical ethics. The aim of this research was to identify a framework for presenting the applied ethical principles in medicine. Methods: We reviewed resources of Muslim authorities and Western philosophical-ethical resources on the philosophical, ethical, juratory and interpretive issues. Through this exploration, the conformable viewpoints to medical ethics were clarified, described and analyzed by virtue of their content. Findings: Four ethical principles were obtained according to the Western perspective on the fundamentals and theories of basic ethics: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice considered as the criteria for action in medical decision-making. According to the Islamic perspective, 8 ethical principles were obtained: reliance, piety, respecting and dignity of patients, attracting profit, disposing the probable harm, authority, justice and charity, among which, some has become influential on decision-making and some has become the criteria for adopting any measure in medicine. Conclusion: We found two basic differences between the Islamic and the non-Islamic ethical principles looking at the medical ethics principles: by virtue of basis or content. Hence, it is necessary to apply Islamic ethical principles that are taken from the Islamic ideology, juratory and philosophy in our healthcare centers as the Western countries in which their own ethical, philosophical and applied principles have been adopted and used in their healthcare centers.