Philosophical: Possesses consciousness,

ETHICS
o
superior intelligence, and free will.
Definition of Ethics o Theological: Can form relationships
Ethics is the practical science of the morality of human with God and others.
conduct. It is a practical science because it involves
guidance and systematic reasoning about how one 2. Key Principles:
should act. It is normative, focusing on what ought to o Respect human dignity, regardless of
be done rather than merely describing behavior. competence, history, or social status.
Purpose of Ethics o Ensure autonomy—humans can freely
• Determines the best course of action and choose actions without coercion.
provides reasons for decisions. o All persons have equal worth and
• Guides how people should behave, treat others, fundamental rights (life, truth,
and build ethical communities. healthcare, justice).

• Encourages reasoned decision-making in a 3. Prohibitions:

democratic society. o Actions violating dignity, such as
• Distinguishes between right and wrong and aids manipulation, exploitation, or harm, are
in making confident, defensible choices. impermissible.

Key Characteristics o Life is sacred—no killing, unjust genetic

manipulation, or coercion.
• Ethics addresses voluntary and free human
actions. 4. Community and Stewardship:

• It is concerned with truth and rational inquiry o Individuals contribute talents for the
rather than subjective beliefs or opinions. common good while respecting justice
and love.
Importance of Studying Ethics
o Ethical interactions are regulated by
• Offers clarity in distinguishing right from mutual rights and responsibilities.
wrong.
5. Reflection of the Creator:
• Prepares individuals for ethically complex
situations. o All persons possess inherent goodness
and are called to sainthood and service,
• Provides insight into legitimate ways of especially healthcare providers who
addressing ethical dilemmas and avoiding embody healing and compassion.
common pitfalls.
Divisions of Ethics
B2. The Human Act
1. Health Ethics
1. Definition:
2. Professional Ethics
o An outward expression of choices made
3. Bioethics with knowledge and freedom.
o Requires deliberate will and rational
B1. The Essence of Personhood decision-making.

1. Definition: 2. Components of the Human Act:

o Biological: Humans have the genetic o Object: The specific action chosen.
code of Homo sapiens. o End: The purpose or motive behind the
act.
 o Circumstances: Contextual factors like 2. Dimensions:
who, when, and where.
o Moral Awareness: Innate sense of right
3. Moral Evaluation: and wrong.
o An act is morally good if the object, o Search for Moral Values: Examining
end, and circumstances align with actions and outcomes for ethical
reason. decisions.
o Responsibility depends on knowledge o Concrete Judgment: Specific decisions
and freedom; ignorance or coercion may on immediate actions.
reduce accountability.
3. Development:
o Conscience improves through positive
B3. Conscience experiences, truth-seeking, good habits,
and proper use of freedom.
1. Definition:
o Education and reflection are essential to
o Personal, practical judgment of reason
cultivating a clear and true conscience.
on whether an act is morally good or
evil.
o Rooted in truth, not desire or blind
choice.
Professional Ethics
Definition: profession, ensuring ethical conduct towards others and
Professional ethics are guiding philosophies that dictate institutions.
the behavior of individuals or groups within a

Professional Values and Theories:

Key Elements of a Profession: 1. Merton’s Values of a Profession:
1. Specific Training: o Knowing: Systematic knowledge and
intellect.
o Requires specialized education (e.g.,
college degrees, apprenticeships, o Doing: Technical skill and trained
licensing). capacity.
2. Autonomy: o Helping: Combining knowledge and
skills to serve others.
o Provides freedom and independence in
fulfilling professional duties. 2. Barber’s Attributes of Professional Behavior:
3. Public Service: o Generalized and systematic knowledge.
o Emphasizes community involvement o Orientation toward community interest
and service beyond the profession. over self-interest.
4. Ethical Codes: o High self-control through ethical codes
and voluntary associations.
o Unique codes governing conduct,
created and followed by professionals. o Rewards based on symbols of work
achievement, not personal gain.
 3. Moore and Rosenblum’s Scale of 2. Psychological: Appropriate mental and
Professionalism: emotional behaviors, ability to communicate and engage
with reality.
o Professional practice as a full-time
occupation. 3. Social: Rational moral choices, self-control, and
responsibility for decisions.
o Commitment to the profession as a
lifelong calling. 4. Spiritual: Creativity, self-actualization,
connection to God/creation, expressed through love,
o Identification through formal
stewardship, and goal-setting.
organizations and distinguishing
symbols.
o Specialized, esoteric knowledge gained D2. Healthcare Profession
through rigorous education.
• Nature:
o Service orientation focused on client
o A vocation and healing ministry
needs within professional competency.
grounded in trust, care, and service.
o Autonomy of judgment and
o Focuses on the patient’s best interests
responsibility in applying knowledge
and fosters mutual honesty, openness,
and skills.
and understanding.
• Healthcare Professional’s Characteristics:
Highlights:
o Licensed through government exams
• Professionals balance autonomy with and committed to ethical practice.
accountability, guided by ethical codes.
o Recognized by society, granted
• Training and education are foundational, autonomy, and benefits associated with
emphasizing community service and the title.
selflessness.
o Obligated to act with professionalism
• A profession requires lifelong dedication, and repay the debt to educators, patients,
responsibility, and mastery of specialized and society.
knowledge to serve societal needs effectively.
• Responsibilities:
o To Oneself: Maintain physical health,
Health and Healthcare Professionals competence, and interpersonal skills
through continuous education
D1. Health
(CPE/CPD).
• Definition:
o To the Patient and Family: Advocate
o WHO (1975): A state of complete for the patient’s best interests, provide
physical, mental, and social well-being, compassionate care, and consider the
not merely the absence of disease. patient’s family (notably in Filipino
culture).
o Expanded (1978): Well-being sufficient
to enable productive work and active o To Other Providers: Work
participation in societal and economic collaboratively, respect colleagues,
life. avoid exploitation, and uphold
professional standards.
• Aspects of Health:
o To the Profession: Maintain high
1. Biological: Proper structures and optimal standards, mentor younger colleagues,
biochemical/physiological functioning. and address unethical behaviors.
 o To Society: Act as a good citizen, • Integrity: Congruence between beliefs, words,
advocate for the common good (e.g., and actions, exemplified by living according to
health care for the poor, safe values.
environments), and contribute through
3. Humility
research.
• Recognizing one’s capabilities and limitations.
o Healthcare: Updating knowledge,
Highlights:
seeking help when needed, and
• Health is holistic, encompassing biological, respecting patient autonomy.
psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
o Research: Accepting projects within
• Healthcare professionals prioritize trust and one’s capacity and respecting
compassion in patient care while maintaining participants’ decisions.
professional ethics and collaboration with peers.
o Education: Avoiding arrogance and
• Filipino culture uniquely integrates family into respecting students' learning
patient care. preferences.
• Continuous learning, societal contribution, and 4. Compassion
mutual support are core tenets of the healthcare
• Empathy paired with self-sacrifice to help others
profession.
without expecting gain.
o Healthcare: Providing personalized
Virtues of Healthcare Professionals care and emotional support to patients
and families.
1. Fidelity
o Research: Minimizing participants’
• Faithfulness to trust and promises in healthcare,
burdens.
research, and education.
o Education: Encouraging struggling
• Healthcare: Advocating for patients and
students and recognizing their progress.
prioritizing their best interests.
5. Justice
• Research: Respecting subjects' dignity,
obtaining informed consent, and reporting • Consistently giving others their due, tailored to
accurate results. their specific needs.
• Education: Promoting students’ best interests o Healthcare: Offering affordable
through feedback and self-directed learning services to the poor and equitable care to
opportunities. all.
2. Honesty o Research: Ensuring participants benefit
from research findings.
• Truthfulness: Conveying accurate information in
healthcare, research, and education. o Education: Providing extra learning
opportunities and timely feedback to
o Healthcare: Transparency with patients
students.
and families about illnesses and
treatments. 6. Courage
o Research: Publishing accurate findings • Acting rightly despite risks or challenges.
and acknowledging contributions.
o Healthcare: Advocating for patient
o Education: Admitting mistakes, rights and improving healthcare delivery
correcting them, and providing fair amidst threats.
feedback.
 o Research: Upholding ethics and
relevance in research.
o Education: Embracing necessary
changes despite criticism.
7. Prayerfulness
• Seeking divine guidance for strength,
encouragement, and perseverance in all actions.
Key Takeaways
Healthcare professionals must embody moral excellence
by practicing fidelity, honesty, humility, compassion,
justice, courage, and prayerfulness. These virtues guide
their relationships with patients, research participants,
and students, fostering trust, respect, and ethical
decision-making.