HLTH 551 _Reflection_1_KJ.docx essays 2019.pdf

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Running Header: Reflection Paper 1

Amy KingJones

Liberty University

HLTH 551

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Reflection Paper 1

the certain things we do. “it is a justified principle used as a guideline for making moral

decisions and the justification for some actions and policies” (Munson & Lague, 2017).

These theories are based on an individual point of view, nor necessary wrong or right but

based on opinion and the thought process of each theory, thought very different they all can

relate in some way, while also covering the absolute of these theories. “Absolute is a truth

about the universe that is immutable, that’s a constant” (Linstra, n.d.). There are five

categories that we read upon through the text Utilitarianism, Kant’s Ethics, Ross’s Ethics,

Rawl’s Theory of Justice, and the Natural Law Ethics and Moral Theology. Within the text

we study how these views may or may not be used to depict a religious or biblical stand

point. The text give us different way we can see situation and how using it theory can have a

attachment: Utilitarianism, Kant’s Ethics, Ross’s Ethics, Rawl’s Theory of Justice, and the

Natural Law Ethics and Moral Theology. Through examination and reading the text explain

each theory while also elaborating on how they relate as well as differ while also going into

each theory’s absolute factor. Within the text its purpose is explain as “theories as an attempt

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to supply simple principles an individual can use to make a moral decision and examine how

they can apply it to moral issues in a medical situation” (Munson & Lague, 2017).

Utilitarianism: By definition “Utilitarianism is a system of ethics in which rightness

or wrongness of an action should be judged by it with the ultimate goal of providing

happiness or pleasure a significant number of people”. This theory was established by John

rule such as a code of conduct or what is always been done (Munson & Lague, 2017).

Examples that comes to mind when explaining the rule utilitarianism is the bibles ten

commandments or the United States laws, such as no drinking or driving. Though it might

not make an individual happy it’s what’s best for all parties. This theory heavily relies on the

absolute in finding the best moral decision that can cause in the most happiness for the

greatest amount of people.

Kant’s Categorical Imperative: This theory was established by Immanual Kant and

finds its basis on what is done and not the end result of the action. In the book it stated how

“The consequences of an action are morally irrelevant” (Munson, 2012). The philosopher

Kant stated that categorical imperative had to be established through every situation. This can

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the end result is negative or positive. The absolute that is established within this theory is

thinking rationally.

Ross’s Ethics: Ross ethics is a combination of utilitarianism and Kant’s theories,

which “cannot be replaced by, or explained in terms of, other properties” (Munson, 2012).

By using both we could create the best moral result, which can be brought upon by nonmoral

2012). His ethics did not necessarily have an absolute rule but yet using prima facie

establishes a unique rule or standard.

Rawl’s Theory of Justice: This theory was discovered by John Rawls and thought

process was based on liberty, justice and equality for all, which was cultivated by two

principles:

1. “Principle of Equal Liberty: Each person has an equal right to the most

2. Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities should be arranged so

His concepts were derived from “the original position and veil of ignorance”, which resulted

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standards weren’t a factor. When it came to his absolute theory, it closely mirrored Ross’s

thought process with “prima facie duty” but instead it was called “natural duties”.

Natural Law Ethics and Moral Theology: by definition is “rightness of actions is

something determined by nature itself, rather than by the laws and customs of societies or the

influenced by Aristotle who believed that everything and everyone has a purpose or goal once

placed in the universe and that in some way it was all connected. The absolute theory within

this text is by using this theory your actions are positive and become second nature and

cannot be changed, which can also be derived from moral knowledge and reasoning.

PART III- Correlate to Christian tradition or biblical reference

that all of these theories cover in this text heavily correlate to the biblical text in some way or

another but that could be different from someone else views and rationality from what they

read. I found that even though each theory is broken down to construct a different topic and

resolution it all boils back to being equal, ethical and finding justice. Which covers the golden

rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12).

corelate with this bible verse, due to it being based on merit and high ground, ethically there’s

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an order to how we maneuver in the world and that we should always thinking about others

and being truthful. Ross’s views also corelate with this bible verse, by using sound judgement

and past experience to determine the best outcome which may or may not create a positive

feedback but is the moral thing to do in the certain circumstance so that no one is harmed in

anyway. Rawl’s theory also blends in with this verse do to his stand point on equality-based

ethic and racial groups, which can ultimately revert back to doing into others as you would

want done unto you. As well as ethics in general which cumulates having moral and standards

to do the right thing no matter what. When it comes to utilitarianism its based on a theory of

good and bad based on its effects, this basis depicts an example of if you choose to do

something make sure it would result in a positive output.

theory. I believe the moral theology and utilitarianism are the two theory that most correlates

with my mindset and way of life. “Utilitarianism is a system of ethics in which rightness or

wrongness of an action should be judged by it with the ultimate goal of providing happiness

who I strive to be and how I leave that can also go for moral theology. Which is the

“rightness of actions is something determined by nature itself, rather than by the laws and

customs of societies or the preference of an individual”. I feel as if both have a place in which

they speak from a religious point of view, doing right by other as well having sound

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and to be fair and impartial to everything I encounter on my day to day life. Sometimes it can

get frustrating and tedious, but I know it’s all worth it and, in the end, it will become second

nature to me. By choosing these theories they help be have a strong bond in my faith and

sound foundation to carry myself at all times regardless at work or at home.

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http://faculty.mc3.edu/barmstro/nlaw.html

Matthew 7:12 - So in everything, do to others what you would h...NIV. (n.d.). Retrieved

January 28, 2018, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/7-12.html

Munson, R., & Lague, I. (2017). Intervention and reflection: basic issues in bioethics (10th

ed.). Australia: Cengage Learning.

January 28, 2018 from Dictionary.com

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