Theory

Decision Criteria

Your Own Example

Strengths

Weaknesses

Utilitarianism

The model that prioritizes maximizing overall happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people is utilitarianism.

In healthcare, this approach may prioritize interventions or policies that provide the greatest overall benefit to society,

even if some individuals may experience harm or discomfort (Henderson, 2021).

A healthcare organization prioritizes the distribution of vaccines to vulnerable populations, such as elderly individuals or healthcare workers.

This will maximize the overall benefit to society, as prioritizing vulnerable populations has the potential to prevent the spread of disease and reduce overall morbidity and mortality rates.

Utilitarianism promotes prioritizing the well-being of others,

which fosters a sense of community and social responsibility.

By focusing on the greatest overall benefit to society, utilitarianism encourages cooperation and collaboration among individuals and groups, leading to positive social outcomes (Dale, 2020).

One weakness of utilitarianism is that it can prioritize the needs of the majority over the rights and interests of minorities or marginalized groups.

This can lead to unjust or unfair outcomes, especially if the rights of certain individuals

or groups are consistently overlooked in the pursuit of overall happiness or utility (Dale, 2020).

Kantian Ethics

Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of moral principles based on rationality and reason rather than emotions

or external circumstances

.It highlights the concept of the categorical imperative, which emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity 

(Canning, 2019).

A doctor refuses to share confidential patient information with others, even if it may be in the patient’s best interest, as it goes against the moral principle of respecting the autonomy and privacy of the patient. 

Kantian ethics places a strong emphasis on individual autonomy and treating all individuals with respect and dignity.

One of the strengths of Kantian ethics is that it highlights the significance of treating all people with respect and dignity, irrespective of their personal preferences or desires.

It recognizes the inherent worth and value of every human being and promotes moral behavior based on universal moral principles (Smith, 2022).

Kantian ethics can be rigid and lead to moral absolutism,

as various actions are deemed inherently right or wrong regardless of context or consequences.

Other weaknesses include a lack of focus on the greater good and impracticality in real-world situations (Smith, 2022).

Ross’s Ethics

Natural Law Ethics