Family practice ethics : postmodern ethics for a postmodern discipline?

Date
2000
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medpharm Publications
Abstract
This paper is aimed at describing an ethics of Family Practice. ln order to achieve this, universal ethical theories and the four principles of ethics - autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice - are placed in perspective. The concepts of modernism and postmodernism are also introduced and explored. The principles of Family Medicine are examined within the context of postmodernism and a parallel is drawn. In keeping with this concept, the revival of virtue ethics is highlighted. In conclusion, a practically relevant approach to ethics is proposed as an ethical model for Family Practice, in which elements of pre-modern, modern and postmodern ethics are combined to complement one another and to form a relevant framework for the resolution of ethical dilemmas in family practice.
Description
CITATION: Moodley, K. 2000. Family practice ethics: Postmodern ethics for a postmodern discipline? South African Family Practice, 22(2): 5-9.
The original publication is available at http://www.safpj.co.za
Keywords
Family medicine -- Moral and ethical aspects, Medical ethics
Citation
Moodley, K. 2000. Family practice ethics: Postmodern ethics for a postmodern discipline? South African Family Practice, 22(2): 5-9