Morality Versus Medical Ethics

The term morality, frequently used in medical ethics, leads one to the question of how morality differs from ethics. Is the decision making process in medical ethics based upon morality or ethics? One must suggest that morality precedes ethics.

What does moral mean?

To explain the meaning of the word moral, consider this example taken from the Scriptures.

“You shall not kill,” is a Biblical law and one of the Ten Commandments, which are all moral in nature.

Thus, the word moral has to do with the question of right and wrong, at least in the Biblical context. It is also the question of good versus evil. Something that lies in accordance with, or in God’s will, is morally right, whereas that which is against or outside of God’s will is morally wrong.

Note that this understanding of the word moral, leads to the protection of human life or life regarded as being sacred. Protection comes in accordance with human rules of conduct or behavior. It also sets humankind apart from plants and animals.

What is morality?

Dictionary.reference.com defines morality in terms of being in one accord with “conformity to the rules of right conduct” or “virtuous conduct”.  

Ideally, the moral character of man becomes evident in every aspect of his life and human conduct, including his sexual life. A doctrine of morals leads to instruction of others, that is the teaching of lessons with a moral basis.

This is where ethics reveals the picture of man as a moral being, living in accordance with moral principles and practice.

What are ethics?

Dictionalry.com defines ethics in terms of “a system of moral principles”. 

Note that from an individual to a family, community, country or global perspective, human actions or behaviors which reflect their moral standards are evident in their ethics, as well as their culture including religion, religious practices, education and health care. Globally, people tend to establish some degree of moral and ethical principles. Note that these not necessarily in accordance with other cultures or countries.

On a philosophical basis, ethics deals with human values and behavior, based upon right and wrong, as well as good and bad. It also looks at human action with respect to motive and outcome.

With respect to the realm of medical ethics, newadvent.org suggests the following.

“Morality is antecedent to ethics: it denotes those concrete activities of which ethics is the science. It may be defined as human conduct in so far as it is freely subordinated to the ideal of what is right and fitting.”

This means that in the realm of medical ethics, morals precede ethics, applicable in the realm of science, which includes health care on a global basis.

Moral standards are rooted in established values, whereas ethics are in process. Moral values do not usually change, whereas ethical principles are subject to review.

For example, not all people in every country are Christian, which means that “You shall not kill,” may not be part of everyone's culture. Thus, it becomes apparent that life is not regarded as sacred everywhere around the world.

The realm of life and death is only one aspect of medical ethics. Rulings made with respect to decisions affecting life and death, are made in conjunction with other multiple factors, including quality of life. Inevitably, there may be controversy.

The ethical process is an ongoing process that continues until satisfactory rulings are determined in the realm of medical ethics.