Application of the Normative Ethical Theories

[Name of the institute]Application of the Normative Ethical Theories

Introduction

Ethics is a moral philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and unethical behavior. Ethical theories have been defined by the philosophers into three areas, which are metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics on the basis of which ethical choice can be determined (Morris, 2007). Theorists have also formulated ethical theories that help us in making ethical choices. The aim and objective of this paper is also to talk about the implementation of the ethical theories with regard to the case.

Background of the Case

The case is about a situation in which a physician has to make a decision according to the ethical perspective. The case is that the physician has a patient who is four years old. She needs to go through a kidney transplant. The probability of successful surgery is there if her kidney is transplanted with one of her family members. After the matching process the physician came to know that the kidney of the father is the best match. But the problem is that the father refused to donate his kidney. Now physician has a problem at hand whether he should inform about this to the rest of the family or not.

Primary Issue

Should the physician have asked if the family were willing to donate a kidney if found to be a match prior to performing the testing? Yes or no.

Possible Answer

The first possible answer to the question that is posed above is yes. The physician should have asked the family members about what they would like to do if he finds a perfect match within the family. He may also advice the family members that they should sit together and discuss this issue and should make an attempt to seek the agreement of each and every member. If we analyze the first answer to the question posed from the perspective of contractarianism then it can be said that Contractarianism and contractualism are instances of an approach to normative ethical theory that stresses reciprocity and mutual consent. So, if we consider the viewpoints of the theory of contractarianism then this theory also implies that the mutual consent is important (Globalphilosohy.blogspot, 2006). Mutual consent of the family can only be obtained if the physician has first asked them their consent and agreement. On the other hand, if we evaluate this response from the perspective of Kantian deontology then it can be said that according to the Kantian deontology it is difficult to determine how specific the maxim on one's action is. If it is stated very specifically, then it will be easy to universalize maxims that seem to allow wrong actions (Hubin, 2002). If it is stated very generally, some actions that are actually permissible will come out to be disallowed. So, by taking into consideration Kantian's view it can be said that in this case things are stated generally and hence the action of father to donate his kidney for his ...