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PubMed · 11653074

A systems approach to ethical problems.

Patrick O'Neill·Riley Hern
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Abstract

Codes of professional ethics and cases designed to teach ethical decision making are written for individual professionals and ignore the systems level of analysis. They typically employ a lineal view of causality and overvalue placement of blame as a component of ethical problem solving. This article takes a systems approach to ethical problems and identifies aspects of systems that promote or impede ethical decision making. Psychological abuse of children is used as an example of a problem requiring a coordinated, systemic response to ethical issues such as autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality.

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ChildChild AbuseConfidentialityCultural DiversityDecision Support TechniquesEthical AnalysisEthicsEthics, ProfessionalFamily RelationsGoalsHealth PersonnelHumansInformation DisseminationInformation ServicesInterdisciplinary CommunicationInterprofessional RelationsJurisprudenceLaw EnforcementLawyersMental HealthPatient CarePrivacyPsychologySocial Control, FormalSocial ValuesSocial WorkStress, PsychologicalBioethics and Professional EthicsMental Health TherapiesCase ReportsJournal Article

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Patrick O'Neill, Riley Hern. 1991. A systems approach to ethical problems.. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327019eb0102_5

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