Pharmacy Code of Ethics and Religion - Essay Example

PHARMACY OF ETHICS AND RELIGION Ethical issues in pharmacy Ethics is a derivation form a Greek word ethos which is translated to mean “morals”. Ethics is defined as a systematic reflection on what is considered as right. The question arising in the definition is the understanding of morality is on exclusiveness of definition. Morality can be described as the work of opinions, decisions and actions that can be classified in to what people think is good or right. Therefore in defining ethics, it is vital to state, ethics does not have a manual for with methods, expected rules and guides (Velasquez, 2011, p. 65). It is seeking the right kind of morality. Ethics can be further divided into descriptive and prescriptive. Descriptive ethics focuses on the evaluation and description of the existing morality. Normative ethics deals with the judging of morality, which relies on the use of value judgments. Ethical theories rely on the definitions and understanding of values, norms and values. Values can be defined as convictions or matters that are worth striving for. Values can be intrinsic or instrumental. Intrinsic value is the value itself while instrumental values are a contributory value resulting in an intrinsic value. Moral norms are rules that define the actions required, allowed and prohibited. Norms are always derived from the values. The difference between the two, values is ideals that people want to achieve while norms are the way of achieving them. Moral virtues are character traits vital in the molding a person in to a good life (Ghillyer, 2010, p. 132). They are similar to values with the main difference being values are things strived for while virtues are inherent characters that one must have. Ethical theories are developed to highlight the decision making process in ethics. Ethical theories yielding professional code of conduct Utilitarianism: the Greatest Good The theory approaches ethics by defining morals by use of actions. The actions can be used to define what is wrong or right. In theory, an action that yields beneficial consequences is categorized as right or moral while actions leading to negative results are viewed as wrong. The theory is also called the consequentialist theory because it focuses on the outcome of actions rather than the action themselves. The theory holds that any action is morally justified by the extent of benefits or harms it is associated with in the society. According to the theory, the greatest good means greater happiness, and the moral duty of the individual is to maximize human happiness (George, 2009, p. 34). The problem with the theory is; the development of individuality, and encouraging the use of immoral actions to achieve success. In the case of a teacher in the poor setting, some may argue that, with the theory, the teacher can just copy the program because the outcome of the action is positive. It can be seen from the situation that the teacher is restricted financially, and the same situation is facing the students. The copying of the program is an immoral action but will lead to the development of societal benefits to the student population. With such a view, it can be argued that the teacher in copying the program did not interfere with ethics because the outcome of the action is beneficial. Kantian Ethical theory The theory developed by Immanuel Kant a German philosopher is different from the utilitarian theory in concept and application. According to the theory, the consequences of the actions should not be used for evaluation of morality because the actions are irrelevant. In his argument, Kant insists that the motivation behind the action is what matters. Therefore, the theory stipulates that actions are considered moral are those that are taken or done out of a sense of duty. In short, the theory advocates of taking an action because the person is convinced that it is the right thing to do. Kant uses the ability of humanity to reason as the main focus of the study to develop the basic rules called the categorical imperative. The basic rule of morality must be followed no matter what. It is a rule that must be adhered to at all times under all circumstances (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2012, p. 67). The categorical imperative is close to the golden rule, but not identical to it because the golden rule is dependent on the outcome while categorical imperative is not consequence dependent. In response to viewing the human beings as a means to an end, Kant developed the second formulation of the categorical imperative stating; no one should use another person for his or her own purposes (Fernando, 2009, p. 132). In contrast, every human being must be treated as someone of independent moral worth with the freedom of choice. To deny the other person, the fundamental right of choice is to be immoral and leads to injustice. The theory in application to the case in question is, despite the consequence of the actions of the teacher, the action to the problem is not to copy the program because it is immoral representing a break from the standard of practice in computer and information sciences. In understanding the ethical issues, justice is vital. It involves the protection of individual rights, or prevention of an injustice to an individual. Comparing cases to avoid discrimination or treating people differently those are alike in relevant respects. In looking at justice three classes of exists namely; Retributive justice, distributive justice and compensatory justice. Distributive justice is concerned with the division of benefits and burdens among individuals, while retributive justice is concerned with the punishment or retribution that should be imposed on the individual who has done some wrong. Compensatory justice is concerned by the kind and amount of compensation one should receive if wronged (Crane & Matten, 2007, p. 34). Pharmacy professional code of conduct The pharmacy code of conduct is similar to other professional code of conduct because they share almost the same values and principles in relation to behavior and conduct. The pharmacy code of conduct borrows from the nine main principles of operation. The principles relate to how the pharmacist has to relate with customers and the other health care professionals. The code is divided in to four main target areas namely; the consumer, community, pharmacy professional and business practice. Customer Under the rights of the customer, the pharmacist is expected to uphold the well-being of the customers as the ultimate priority and conducted a professional manner allowing for the development of positive relationships between the consumer and the pharmacist. He or she should respect the customer by informing the customers while allowing the customer to make a choice without influencing the customer (Chase, 2004, p. 89). Additionally the medicine prescribed by the doctors should be the one given to the client without changing or influencing the customer to change the drug due to any other problems (Cory, 2004). The community In order to develop a positive relationship with the community, the professional code of conduct dictates that the pharmacist must uphold reputation and public trust of the profession. This will ensure consumer confidence and facilitate relationship building between the profession and public. He should be able to acknowledge the professional roles and responsibilities of the career to the wider community The pharmacy profession In relation to the profession, the attendance and participation in the continuous training, teaching and mentoring by the professional will encourage the development of positive and professional leadership. The professional must continue learning in order to develop the necessary skills. Technology changes extremely fast and the professional must always be ahead of customers in order to give concrete and positive decisions based on the understanding of the profession. The pharmacist must have knowledge of the contemporary knowledge including pharmacist practice in order to gain competence. Business practice and other healthcare professional The provision of drugs at a cost is a business venture and may create a problem, if a capitalistic approach is employed in the process; serious consequences may occur resulting in crisis (Crane & Matten, 2007, p. 176). To avoid such scenarios, the pharmacist is expected to conduct business with the interest of the consumer at heart. The pharmacist should pay attention to respect of customers and colleagues in order to achieve greater success with the operation. In relation to other health professionals, pharmacists should work with other healthcare professionals to achieve optimal health outcomes for the consumers. Code of professional conduct and religion Religion focuses on the morality, which is also the main focus of the professional code of conduct. Professional code of conduct specifies the behavior of the profession while on duty and is the set expected norms of the community. To achieve best results in professional conduct religion can be used because of several reasons. First, religion teaches people to have vital fundamental virtues. For example, the development of virtues and laws which are defined by Tzu as “The law of virtue.” The Taoist philosophy follows an exceedingly appealing circle. Taoists reject the attempts to regulate life and society and in turn resort to solitary contemplation of nature. The ideology of Tzu is defined by the following statement written by Tzu. First, Tao abides in inactivity as such nothing is left undone. If the kings and Lords observed Tao, then, many leaders will be developed naturally. If they resist inactivity, they will return to formless substance without desire. The lack of desire creates tranquility. The Taoist sage lacks ambition; therefore, cannot fail as such if it does not fail it always succeed as such it is all powerful. Because it originates from the solitary contemplation of nature detached from the affairs of men, it is a philosophy in a critical and constructive sense. Taoism teaches that change can be effected through personal drive and in turn change the surroundings. Other religions such as Buddhism also teach values such as humility, honesty chastity among other issues. These values when applied the result in the maintenance of professional ethics. Religion teaches the development of values through personal choice and empowerment by a supernatural being such as a deity or god. The empowerment is believed to be final as such person will be able to achieve good behavior and relate well with the community and people around him. Religion teaches values that can be employed in order to develop a unified community with the understanding of the various issues. In some instances, religion uses fear to intimidate and develop values. For instance, religion teaches of the existence of heaven and hell for the purpose of encouraging positive values while discouraging negative values. The taking of the best behaved people to heaven and the sinners or worst behaved to hell is a concept taught by some religions to help in value development. Christianity and pharmacy professional code of conduct Christianity teaches several values that are crucial especially in behavior and relationship building. Christianity teaches the believers to treat each other as brothers and sisters while offering support to the community and influencing change among the community members. The vital value taught in Christianity is love. When love abounds, in the hearts of the believer, respect for others, the community will exist. The respecting of the individual members of the community will cultivate better relationships and personal confidence. Public confidence in leaders and influential members of the community exhibit professional conduct. While Christianity teaches the values of conduct, professional conduct gives a guideline towards maintain professional conduct when dealing with the community and other professionals (Fernando, 2009, p. 78). Values if properly cultivated will lead to greater professional conduct and a reduction of unethical behaviors within the community. Religion can only be successful if the personal touch associated with it remains. Otherwise, it ceases to be effective if values are not cultivated in members of the community. Conclusion Professional code of conduct is a set regulator of behavior used to ensure that professionals conduct themselves as professionals. However, code of conduct can be useless if values are not cultivated in the person. Values are cultivated through religion. Religion teaches value development regardless of the spiritual focus of the religion. For instance, both Christianity and Buddha teach humility as a vital virtue. Humility is a value that will help a pharmacist when dealing with irrational client. Reference Chase, K. R. (2004). Christian Perspectives on Business Ethics: Faith, Profit, and Decision Making. Business & Professional Ethics Journal, 3-12. Cory, J. (2004). Business Ethics: The Ethical Revolution Of Minority Shareholders. Berlin: Springer. Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2007). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Fernando, A. C. (2009). Business Ethics: An Indian Perspective. Delhi: Pearson Education India. Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2012). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. London: Cengage Learning. George, R. T. (2009). Business Ethics. Chicago: Prentice Hall. Ghillyer, A. (2010). Business Ethics: A Real World Approach. Michigan: McGraw Hill Higher Education. Velasquez, M. G. (2011). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases. New York: Pearson Education. Read More