Iconoclastic Ethics

Abstract

Black gives three reasons for his skepticism about the usefulness of codes of medical ethics: the lack of consensus on an absolute basis for ethics; his positive sympathy with "situation ethics"; and his doubts as to whether strict adherence to an ethical code benefits patients. In this context, he considers ethical problems related to confidentiality, abortion, contraception, and euthanasia. In each example given, he regards medical ethics as relative and requiring modification according to the patients involved and their situations. The author concludes that good medical practice is based upon sympathy, kindness, knowledge, competence, and prudence. (KIE abstract)