A discussion on the ethicalissues and problems created by the explosion in the rate of acquisition of new knowledge and the development of new technologies that process information with unprecedented ease and rapidity.
Abstract The following paper examines the ethicalissues that relate to privacy, free speech, and protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) with regards to the present era. The writer examines how all knowledge depends to a large extent on prior knowledge. The issue of innovators having the right to exclusive benefit from his innovation or creation [Intellectual Property] does seem to exist in principle, however this paper examines the strong need to properly define and delimit those rights. Similarly this paper examines the equally strong ethical case for such delimitation to protect people's right to privacy and free speech, which are sometimes at variance with one another. As the world is rapidly shrinking due to the communication revolution, new universally accepted laws are required to deal with these questions.
From the Paper "The problem raised by immense expansion of knowledge and the ways to process them, can only be solved through a thorough public debate and broad decisions on the ethical foundations on which the legislation is sought o be based. In view of the global implications of most of these laws, international agreements is also necessary on general principles on which the laws should be founded. Attention has also to be directed to attending to the basic problems of the allocation and distribution of resources in more appropriate ways than at present. This cannot be achieved by reliance on the operation of "free market" forces alone. There is another problem. The present laws regarding IPR favor the industrialized nations. Multi national corporations often indulge in unethical, exploitative practices. On the other hand, to identify legally constituted entities and bona fide community representatives with whom to deal as well as to determine the appropriate form and distribution of benefits may be difficult if Community Intellectual Rights are pursued."
Abstract The paper discusses the article "EthicalIssues in Information Technology", in which author Richard T. DeGeorge points out the existence of five interrelated ethicalissues: those in the usage of technology in business, those in the IT business, those related to the Internet, those in e-business and those issues affecting the social background. The paper notes that each of the five categories presents several ramifications. The paper discusses how the article has a general coverage, an informal writing and throughout its 24 pages presents reduced details. The paper also highlights the existence of ethical problems and concerns in the information technology sector and poses questions as to how these problems could best be resolved.
Outline:
Abstract
Summary of Article
Ethics Analysis
Conclusions
From the Paper "Doug Johnson is another significant contributor to the information technology ethics domain, with an extensive array of published works, both online and on paper as well as dedicated speeches in IT conferences. The major similarity between the two writers is their approach of the issues. As such, both authors explain the matters from an informal and simple point of view as to insure a clear understanding of the topics presented. The most significant difference resides in the coverage of the topics. As such, if DeGeorge identified at least five ethical implications of IT and other numerous ramifications, Johnson only considers three of them to be of vital importance: privacy, property and appropriate use."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of ethics in Information technology. Specifically, this paper examines a situation that befell the writer some time ago and looks at the ethical and moral implications of a hospital staff member (a staff member known to the writer) who inadvertently accessed private medical information. Although this information proved useful in treating the patient, the paper looks at the implications of such conduct, the outcome arising from this particular incident, and some measures that can be undertaken so that misunderstandings are minimized and the patient's dignity is upheld.
From the Paper "Ethics in information technology is vitally important. Today, people live in a society that presents many opportunities for the invasion of their privacy or the privacy of their loved ones. With that in mind, it is evident that an ethical approach to information technology is essential if that new technology and the people who operate it are to be given the legitimacy they desire. One ethical issue that deeply affected this student involved time spent working in a local hospital where personal records were readily accessible. While this student personally was not involved, a business associate was. The core of the issue revolved around privacy, but the real dilemma was this: what course of action should an individual take if he or she inadvertently uncovers electronic information that may assist in the treatment of a patient but is considered to be "classified"."
Abstract This paper offers an overview on the scientific background of stem cell research and therapy. It also discusses the ethicalissues involved, which include informed consent and ownership and the destruction of embryos when stem cells are harvested. The author explores the slippery slope towards human cloning if therapeutic cloning is not restricted and the commodification of human cells, tissues and embryos.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Stem Cells: What?
Use of Stem Cell in Research and Therapy
EthicalIssues Informed Consent and Ownership
Destruction of Embryos
Slippery Slopes towards Reproductive Cloning
Commodification
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "The discoveries of methods of deriving and culturing human stem cells with nuclear replacement technique have enabled researchers to find out the previously unidentified therapeutic potential of human stem cells. This has stirred up much excitement and hope, and at the meantime, it has also elicited immense controversies and debates. Today, few have doubts about the potential of stem cell research in reducing the suffering of those afflicted with severely debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's diseases, and the possibility of curing them might not be far-off. However, some are alarmed by the rapid development of this area of study. They insisted that such research is to be regulated and restricted, even though its results are beneficial for human's well being. Between the pro- and anti-stem cell research groups, no consensus has been reached, and the debate continues."
Abstract This paper examines how health care is a unique category of business in that every decision, whether it be clinical or economic, has an ethical component. It looks at how the ethicalissues for "managed care" create four major categories of concern: professional, medical, business, and social. It also discusses how some of the most important areas for attention include the lack of professional code of ethics for physician executives, interference with the principles of informed consent and patient autonomy, violation of consumer rights, and social maleficence in obstruction to access and delivery.
Outline
Introduction
The Basics of Managed Health Care
Prioritizing EthicalIssues Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "Medical directors and administrators in managed health care organizations today face those kinds of decisions every day (Woodstock Theological Center, 1999). For doctor like Stanley to be able to make good ethical decisions, they must understand the ethical issue involved in managed health care. Many doctors initially feel that the problems lie with the managed health care organizations, as they have seen first-hand many of the "unethical" decisions that managed care organizations make. However, recently, it has become apparent that people who are assumed to have the same perspective, such as the doctors, do not always agree on what would be the right decision. Second, doctors have begun to understand the perspectives of those with whom they disagreed."
Abstract This paper examines the nature of the legal and ethicalissues involved in dying, and cites examples found in the practice of marriage and family therapy. The author also reflects upon how she would respond to the experience of this issue in an informed, justified and thoughful manner.
Abstract This paper reports that the "InformationAge" exhibit has on display hundreds of items spanning the 150-year length of the "InformationAge". The author points out that, from the telegraph to the portable computer and digital CD ROM, these devices have helped shape the world around us and have given us access to a whole new way of life. The paper states that the exhibit contains additional facts, including the fact that the first computers were sold as kits for which consumers had to make their own case because many marketers believed the personal computer was not a salable product.
From the Paper "In addition to the telegraph, a basic cable, called the Atlantic cable of 1858, is also on display. Being to forefather to the coaxial cable that would later transform information across the globe, this cable was not well designed, and only stayed operable for a few days. However, later cables would spread the information world across the ocean for the first time, promoting intercontinental communications. In addition, the "Information Age" exhibit includes a telephone display, showing the history of the telephone as the world knows it today. Beginning with Alexander Graham Bell's early telephone equipment, including pictures of his early experimental phones, and spanning to the commercial phone of 1877 and the first telephones with a dial, this display shows the evolution of both the phone its self, and the equipment created to handle the calls."
Abstract This ethical study analyzes the current issues that involve both religion and medical science in relation to developments in human cloning. This medical issue is pertinent to ethics, since it involves a great deal of scientific questions as to how science is "playing God." This religious perspective is analyzed through Roman Catholic arguments against human cloning to better understand how this conflict is developing between both factions. In essence, this paper analyzes the two sides of the "playing God" issue in relation to the medical scientific advancements of human cloning. The first issue surrounding a social threat to human order in cloning is how cloning threatens a 'natural' order of birth in the human condition.
Abstract In this paper the plot of the movie directed by Stanley Kubrick and the book written by Arthur C. Clarke are summarized with emphasis on the philosophical and ethicalissues presented in the story. A more detailed analysis of the ethicalissues, including man becoming god and Hal the computer, concludes the paper. The paper is written from a Christian perspective and relates the story to Biblical examples.
From the paper:
"2001: A Space Odyssey" was written by Arthur C. Clarke and published in 1968 at about the same time as the movie of the same title was released. It is interesting to note that the film and the book were being produced at the same time. Rather than to base one on the other, the movie and the book were made almost as one, with modifications being made to suit the needs of the writer and director. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the movie was left more open-ended than the book, and tended to draw either praise for its ingenuity or harsh judgment for its dullness and lack of imagination. Whether the first or the latter opinion is correct, one thing is for certain: 2001 is an epic that changed the face of science fiction and paved the way for a whole new way of thinking."
Abstract The tasks of psychotherapy and counseling are ones of extreme significance in the lives of the hurting. This paper attempts to define ethics and their personal application as they relate to the counseling profession. It also discusses some of the issues that counselors face which can challenge their concepts of ethical practice. Finally, it gives a general overview of the status of the counseling profession as it exists at present.
From the Paper "The tasks of psychotherapy and counseling are ones of extreme significance in the lives of the hurting. This paper will attempt to define ethics and their personal application as they relate to the counseling profession. It will also discuss some of the issues that counselors face which can challenge their concepts of ethical practice. Finally, it will give a general overview of the status of the counseling profession as it exists at present. These concepts of ethics should dictate the daily decision making of any counselor. In developing our own personal ethics as counselors, we must fully understand the accepted standards of ethics as they exist in established mental health practice. The difficulty in this endeavor is that often these codes are difficult to apply to a specific situation or at worst, contradictory (American Counseling Association [ACA], 1995). Although there are many similarities between the various ethical codes of conduct, differences and conflicts do arise due to the world view and primary goals of each organization. In determining our own individual ethical guidelines, a counselor must utilize these varying interpretations of ethical behavior to serve as a basis for lifelong growth in decision making skills and formation of ethical standards. These ethical situations often arise out of the power dynamic in the counselor / client relationship. It is the ethics of this relationship that form the foundation for what is defined as a counseling code of ethics. Clients seek out therapists for reasons as varied as marital problems, and work anxiety. Whatever the reason one approaches a therapist, by the time they do so they are usually in a very emotionally sensitive. By this point they have often times tried to handle their difficulties on their own. They may have talked to friends, clergy, or family about the issue. Unfortunately, untrained advice often makes issues more confusing. When none of these things work, they seek the help of a professional counselor of therapist. When they do this it is vital that they be able to trust the professionalism and the ethics of the therapist and counselor they turn to. The ethics of professional counselors are strictly defined and adhered to (Kelman, 1968). Some of the numerous codes that exist include those of the America Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Psychological Association. Familiarization and adherence to these codes is essential in learning good decision making skills as a professional counselor."
Abstract This paper considers various ethicalissues in education, including segregation, conflicts with business and higher education, and the issue of national testing. It looks at the different dimensions of ethics.
Abstract This paper discusses the ethicalissue in the case of the proposed Wal-Mart building in Petoskey, Michigan. According to the paper, the central ethical dilemma resolves around conflicting ethical principles with regard to business action. In this case, the conflict is between the central ethical tenet of economic theory - namely, that "profit maximization leads inexorably to the well-being of society" and the pragmatic objections to economic theory, which cite evidence that injurious practices (e.g., environmental damage) and the absence of competitive markets are often consequences of economic theory in practice .
Abstract This paper examines several ethicalissues related to the assessment of special needs children. The issue includes when testing was warranted, the abuse of testing and its consequences, the importance of standardized testing methods, and improvements that have taken place in the field.
From the Paper "Overton reports that assessment is a key component of special education in the ..."
Abstract This paper discusses ethics in the field of nursing and medicine. It discusses the ethical questions and problems that can arise for health professionals while caring for their patients. The paper discusses the four principles of veracity, justice, fidelity and paternalism, as they relate to these particular professions.
From the Paper "Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing In the fields of nursing and medicine, as a whole, one of the biggest issues to come up for professionals in these lines of work is ethics. By ethics, we mean issues where one's moral fiber and ability to decide between right and wrong, between good and bad are called into play. Each and every day where patient care is employed and lives are at stake, healthcare professionals such as nurses must make ethical decisions for the good of all. This essay will evaluate four different principles that come up when ethical reasoning is used in the nursing field. The four principles that will be discussed are: veracity, justice, fidelity, and paternalism. The first principle that this paper will discuss is that of veracity."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses difficulties with do not resuscitate orders (DNRs), advanced directives and medical power of attorney. The writer notes that decisions regarding these issues are often left to the nurse to make, as a great deal of discretion is afforded the nurse, especially in the triage aspect of emergency room care. The writer points out that emergency room care requires quick thinking and logical judgment utilized to make the best possible decisions for a critically ill patient, that has not yet been medically stabilized. The writer claims that it is the job of the emergency room nurse and other staff to err on the side of caution and withhold any treatment that might further compromise the patient.
From the Paper "The work expresses the problem, as it is associated with the view of palliative care as doing nothing. It is clear that palliative care is a viable medical response to end of life scenarios and should be utilized in cases where it is indicated, by the wishes of the individual and his or her legal voice. Palliative care being a set of treatments that focus not on life saving techniques but on those that impart comfort and treat uncomfortable symptoms, such as acute pain. The author indicates that the problem lies in the fact that this society, and especially the medical industry (here sighting new doctors) are consummate death deniers, seeking life saving options above all others. In the case specific to this write up the treatment change has certainly not gone to the point of a complete denial of patient wishes, as the denial of one form of palliative care, erring on the side of caution does not constitute full application of life support, though without patient advocates, as are seen by the present family, there is a danger of just such an occurrence."
Tags: DNRs, physician, palliative, care, medication
