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DEFINITIONS
Thomson & Gale - Legal Encyclopedia:
The branch of philosophy that defines what is good for the individual and
for society and establishes the nature of obligations, or duties, that people
owe themselves and one another. The word ethics is derived from the
Greek word ethos, which means "character," and from the
Latin word mores, which means "customs." In modern society,
it defines how individuals, business professionals, and corporations choose
to interact with one another. Aristotle was one of the first great philosophers
to study the subject. To him, ethics was more than a moral, religious, or
legal concept. He believed that the most important element in ethical behavior
is knowledge that actions are accomplished for the betterment of the common
good. He asked whether actions performed by an individual or group are good
both for that individual or a group and for society. To determine what is
ethically good for the individual and for society, Aristotle said, it is
necessary to possess three virtues of practical wisdom: temperance, courage,
and justice.
Medical/Clinical Ethics:
The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the conduct
of the members of a profession. Medical/clinical ethics is a field of study
that focuses on decision-making in the health care setting, where patients,
families and health professionals often face difficult decisions about medical
treatments and patient care. These decisions may involve moral values, religious
beliefs, or professional duties and guidelines. Medical/clinical ethics
offers ways to identify and weigh the values at stake so that the individuals
responsible for decisions can make good choices.
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