Clinical pragmatism: a method of moral problem solving.

TitleClinical pragmatism: a method of moral problem solving.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsFins, Joseph J., Bacchetta Matthew D., and Miller Franklin G.
JournalKennedy Inst Ethics J
Volume7
Issue2
Pagination129-45
Date Published1997 Jun
ISSN1054-6863
KeywordsCatholicism, Chronic Disease, Clergy, Communication, Consensus, Decision Making, Dementia, Diagnosis, Emotions, Ethical Analysis, Ethical Theory, Ethics, Ethics, Clinical, Ethics, Medical, Euthanasia, Passive, Family, Humans, Life Support Care, Marriage, Mental Competency, Methods, Patient Care, Patient Care Planning, Philosophy, Physicians, Principle-Based Ethics, Professional-Family Relations, Resuscitation Orders, Social Values, Spouses
Abstract

This paper presents a method of moral problem solving in clinical practice that is inspired by the philosophy of John Dewey. This method, called "clinical pragmatism," integrates clinical and ethical decision making. Clinical pragmatism focuses on the interpersonal processes of assessment and consensus formation as well as the ethical analysis of relevant moral considerations. The steps in this method are delineated and then illustrated through a detailed case study. The implications of clinical pragmatism for the use of principles in moral problem solving are discussed.

Alternate JournalKennedy Inst Ethics J
PubMed ID11654986

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