Applying Ethical Theory (Initial Draft)

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies:

• Competency 1: Explain the nature of ethical issues.
  • Explain an ethical issue in a complex scenario.
• Competency 2: Critically examine the contributions of key thinkers from the history of ethics.
  • Apply traditional theories of normative ethics to a concrete situation.
• Competency 3: Engage in ethical debate.
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to ethical theory.
• Competency 4: Develop a position on a contemporary ethical issue.
  • Justify an ethical position on a contemporary issue.
• Competency 5: Communicate effectively in the context of personal and professional moral discourse.
  • Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of professional communities.

You are called to consult in the Critical Care Unit of your local hospital. 53-year-old JoEllen was admitted after taking an overdose of prescription medications with alcohol. On admission, she said, “Not supposed to be here . . . ,” but soon became uncommunicative, and her condition is deteriorating rapidly. Her son has arrived with a notarized advance directive in which JoEllen specifically asks not to be placed on life support. What should you recommend to the attending health professionals?

As you write your essay, please consider:

• What additional information might clarify your understanding of the situation?
• How would each of the three approaches to ethical theory respond to this case?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?
• What is the right thing to do? Justify your position with clear reasoning.

Your instructor will provide detailed feedback on this draft, which you can use in revising your work for the final version, which you will submit at the end of Unit 5.

Assignment Requirements

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA guidelines for style and format.
• Number of resources: There are no minimum number of resources required; however, use your judgment to ensure your topic is thoroughly researched.
• Length of paper: 3–4 typed double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Arial, 12 point.

Resources

• Applying Ethical Theory (Initial Draft) Scoring Guide.
• Academic Honesty and APA Style and Formatting.
• Capella Writing Center.
• PHI2000 Library Guide.
• Turnitin.
• Plagiarism.