Ethical Theory - A theory that proposes principles for distinguishing right from wrong actions.
Take a moment to research the following in the
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Aristotle’s Ethics
Mill’s Utilitarianism
Ethical Egoism
Hume’s Moral Philosophy
Imagine that you control the executive board in charge of making final decisions
for Southeast Hospital. This evening, the following case has been presented for
your consideration:
Due to a tragic car accident, the hospital has received a healthy heart from an
organ donor with blood type B positive. There are three patients at the hospital
who are a match for the donated heart. You must choose who will receive the
heart.
The patient who has been waiting the longest for a heart is a 35-year-old mother
of three. Although she needs the transplant in order to survive, her doctor
estimates that she can live another month without it. Her husband’s insurance
will cover the full cost of the transplant. Due to hospital negotiations with
his insurance company, the hospital will charge and receive $75,000 if she
receives the heart.
The next patient on the list is a 65-year-old male who is independently wealthy
and so has no insurance. He was never married and has no living relatives. He is
the sole owner and CEO of a company that produces HIV vaccinations to protect
children in the womb from contracting this disease from their infected mothers.
His business sells the vaccinations at just over cost to the federal government.
The government then supplies the vaccinations to a non-profit organization for
free distribution in Africa. In addition, this man donates 20% of his personal
wealth per year to an AIDS prevention organization. He has agreed to pay the
cost of the transplant for patients without insurance, which is $280,000. In
addition, he has pledged to donate $1,000,000 to the hospital if he receives the
heart. His doctor says his condition is unpredictable. Without the transplant he
could die tomorrow, or he could live several more months.
The final patient to consider is a 10-year-old boy who just arrived at the
hospital 5 days ago. He seemed to be in good health, but he collapsed suddenly
last week. His doctor determined that he has a rare heart condition and will die
by morning if he does not receive the heart. His parents both work full-time
jobs, but their insurance does not cover the transplant. As such, they will be
required to pay the cost of the transplant for patients without insurance,
$280,000. They have sold their house, their vehicles, and their possessions as
quickly as possible, but they have only managed to raise $120,000. You have
received a letter from the family’s church asking you to have mercy on the child
and make an exception in this one case.
Who do you choose to receive the heart? Why?
What ethical theory do you believe you are
relying upon in making this decision?
Why do you believe your action illustrates this
ethical theory?
