Question

Rohan is treating a patient for terminal cancer. His patient is getting worse and has admitted to Rohan that he has not told his wife of 45 years about his condition. Rohan has met his wife on occasion and knows that her husband’s death will crush her. Still, Rohan believes that it is his duty to keep his patient’s condition confidential, even from his wife. What category of ethics would this reasoning be an example of?

A.
deontological ethics

B.
imperative ethics

C.
teleological ethics

D.
ontological ethics

Answer 1

Rohan's ethical reasoning aligns with deontological ethics, as he prioritizes his duty to maintain patient confidentiality over potential outcomes, which is consistent with the principles emphasized by Immanuel Kant in his moral philosophy. The correct answer is option: A. deontological ethics

Step-by-step explanation:

Rohan's reasoning for maintaining his patient’s confidentiality, even from the patient’s spouse, is an example of deontological ethics. Deontological ethics, famously associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant, prioritize adherence to moral duties and rules over the consequences of actions.

In this scenario, Rohan is adhering to the moral duty of confidentiality, a fundamental principle in medical ethics, and he does this based on the principle itself, not the potential outcomes of telling or not telling the patient’s wife. Competing duties, such as Ross’ prima facie duties, could introduce complexity into the situation if Rohan felt that the obligation to prevent harm to the wife by informing her might outweigh the duty of confidentiality.

However, based on the information provided, Rohan is focusing purely on his duty to maintain confidentiality as prescribed by deontological ethics.