Describe the role ethics plays in promoting social justice and human welfare. (150 words) [UPSC 2016]
TeamSupreme
Resources & Suggestions
Mains Answer Writing Latest Articles
On: February 22, 2025
Comments:
0
Indo-US Relation: Areas of Cooperation & Conflicts
Key Areas: Defense, technology, trade, energy, and regional cooperation. Key Areas of Cooperation 1. Defense and Security Transition from buyer-seller to co-production and technology sharing. India as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) and inclusion in STA-1. Access to advanced technologies, ...
On: February 22, 2025
Comments:
0
भारत-अमेरिका संबंध: सहयोग और संघर्ष के क्षेत्र
मुख्य विषय: भारत-अमेरिका संबंधों की मजबूती, विशेषकर रक्षा, प्रौद्योगिकी और क्षेत्रीय सहयोग में प्रगति। सहयोग के प्रमुख क्षेत्र 1. रक्षा एवं सुरक्षा सहयोग भारत और अमेरिका के बीच रक्षा संबंधों का विस्तार। प्रमुख रक्षा साझेदार (MDP) का दर्जा और STA-1 ...
On: February 22, 2025
Comments:
0
India’s Disaster Management
The article discusses the growing tensions between the Centre and states regarding disaster relief funding in India. It emphasizes the need for a transparent and equitable disaster management framework. Key Disaster Threats India Faces Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events ...
Contribution of Ethics to Social and Human Well-Being
1. Fostering Trust and Cooperation:
2. Promoting Justice and Equality:
3. Enhancing Accountability:
4. Supporting Human Dignity and Rights:
Conclusion: Ethics plays a critical role in fostering trust, promoting justice, enhancing accountability, and supporting human dignity, all of which contribute significantly to social and human well-being.
Model Answer
Introduction
Ethics is crucial for social and human well-being, serving as a guiding framework for individuals and communities. It promotes moral behavior and facilitates human flourishing by fostering a sense of responsibility towards others.
The Contribution of Medical Ethics
One significant way ethics enhances social and human well-being is through medical ethics, which addresses ethical dilemmas within medical treatment and research. Key principles include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, each contributing to patient care and societal health.
Autonomy
The principle of autonomy emphasizes individuals’ rights to make informed decisions regarding their health. According to Beauchamp and Childress (2013), respecting autonomy involves obtaining informed consent, ensuring patients are fully aware of their medical options. This practice not only empowers patients but also enhances their well-being by fostering trust and engagement in their healthcare.
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
Beneficence requires healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients. This principle is vital in promoting health and preventing illness. Conversely, non-maleficence mandates that healthcare professionals avoid causing harm. As articulated by Gillon (1994), this balance ensures that treatments yield more benefits than risks, thereby safeguarding patient welfare.
Justice
Justice in medical ethics addresses the fair distribution of healthcare resources. The World Health Organization (2010) asserts that equitable access to medical care is fundamental for improving health outcomes across populations. By ensuring that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, receive quality healthcare, ethical practices contribute to overall societal well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, the adherence to ethical principles in medicine not only improves individual health outcomes but also fosters a more just society. By prioritizing autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, we can enhance social and human well-being, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.