What is most significant to you about a consequentialist approach to ethics and why? Refer to actual quotes and page numbers in your reading.After watching the instructor video with case study on “lif

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Question 1: What is most significant to you about a consequentialist approach to ethics and why? Refer to actual quotes and page numbers in your reading.

The most significant aspect of a consequentialist approach to ethics is the emphasis on the outcomes of actions, rather than the actions themselves. According to Abumere (2019), “Consequentialism judges the morality of an act by its outcome, looking at the consequences of the action rather than the action itself” (p. 45). This approach prioritizes the overall good that can be achieved through an action, rather than focusing on individual actions or intentions. This can be seen in the example of utilitarianism, which seeks to maximize happiness and minimize suffering for the greatest number of people possible (Abumere, 2019, p. 50).

In my opinion, the most significant aspect of a consequentialist approach is its practicality. By focusing on outcomes, individuals and organizations can make decisions that create the most good for the most people. This can be especially important in situations where there is limited time or resources, such as in healthcare or disaster relief. However, it is important to note that a consequentialist approach must also take into account the potential negative consequences of an action, such as harm to certain individuals or groups.

Question 2: After watching the instructor video with a case study on “lifeboats” and “deserted island living,” share a very brief example of your own “lifeboat” or “deserted island” and what decision you had to make that left you in a dilemma.

In my personal life, I have not faced a situation as extreme as being in a lifeboat or on a deserted island. However, I have faced situations where I had to make a difficult decision that left me in a dilemma. One example was during my residency as a doctor, where I had to choose between two patients who both needed surgery but only one OR was available. One patient had a more severe condition and needed the surgery urgently, while the other patient had been waiting longer and had already experienced several delays in treatment. I had to weigh the options and prioritize the patient with the more severe condition, which meant the other patient had to wait even longer. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately I had to consider the potential outcomes and prioritize the patient with the more immediate need.

Question 3: Explain what drawbacks there could be to a consequentialist/outcomes approach to ethics and share a personal experience of a time when you faced a drawback using an outcomes-based decision-making framework.

One potential drawback of a consequentialist approach to ethics is the potential for harm to certain individuals or groups. In some cases, an action that creates the most good for the greatest number of people may still harm or disadvantage specific individuals or groups. This can be seen in the example of organ trafficking in Asia, where individuals sell their kidneys due to extreme poverty and end up with health complications or other negative consequences (Asia’s Kidney Black Market, 2014).

In my personal experience as a doctor, I faced a drawback to an outcomes-based decision-making framework when I had to determine whether to administer a potentially life-saving but risky treatment to a patient. The treatment had the potential to cure the underlying condition, but also carried a significant risk of complications and even death. After weighing the risks and benefits, I ultimately decided not to proceed with the treatment due to the potential harm it could cause, even though it could have potentially saved the patient’s life. It was a difficult decision, but I had to consider the potential negative consequences and prioritize the patient’s overall well-being.