Social and Political Ethics

Running head: Social and Political Ethics 1
Social and Political Ethics
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Social and Political Ethics 2
Every philosophical approach to situations in sociology is of necessity in regard to
decisions process about ethical issues that arise in a society. There already existing
philosophies that have to define the general considerations that need to be employed while
assessing the moral and ethical weight of any particular matter in the society. A productive
societal life must pertain the aspects that define the reason for existence, the essence of life
and all moral and ethical implications that hold the society into a cohesive union. Existing
in any community explicitly displays a need for moral standards that protect the individual
from the unbridled selfishness that exists in different individuals. Philosophical reasoning
about human conduct is intended to bring a standard gauge for right and wrong. It is upon
this standard that judgments can be made while moral reference is done in the light of
attaining truth as pertains any situation requiring such moral evaluation (Murray,2008).
The case in question in this address involves a 53-year-old lady JoEllen who was
admitted because of taking an overdose. The case has moral and legal implications because
it could legally be categorized as an attempted suicide case. According to the categorical
imperative, this case could be evaluated on the aspects of its implications to the individual
involved. A deeper look into the issue brings aspects of examining the clarity in the
motivations of this action earlier taken by the lady. In consideration of the first form of
categorical imperative, it was, therefore, a misplaced action for the lady to do an overdose
against the prescription done. Empirically, the society has outrightly defined the ethical
boundaries that pertain to the sanctity of life and all the issues surrounding to it. While
personal decisions may affect moral standings and ethical practices of health professionals,
it is important that there be no compromise in the situations that need ethical intervention.

Social and Political Ethics 3
Legal actions are always taken against any case that defies societal codes of living (Elwy
et. al, 2012).
Many schools of thought exist in the light of ethical dilemmas that remain a
challenge to health professionals and other aspects of the society. It is therefore wise to
consider these different views in any situation like the one in question. According to
Hobbes, the faculty of willing is very adamant in determination as long as it is unbiased by
any external pressures beyond itself. A moral decision requires a ground that favors the
decision-making process and gives a clear direction on the aspects of objective
considerations in any situation (Hobbes, 2016). The situation in question has three aspects
that could give a proper ground for a fair moral judgment. The action that by JoEllen, the
availability of a written advance directive request against being placed on life support. The
production of the written by her son is also an element that needs consideration in this
regard. Those features are crucial and could be used as a springboard in making a fair
moral decision in JoEllen’s case. The philosophical view gives a chance to relate as
determined by one’s will.
The moral view that regard the meaning of life cannot be reinvented to take
different stages than ones existing. However different people have different approaches to
these aspects of morality. Life is a factor that is universally objective in its value. The
contribution of an individual in the matter of handling a life-threatening situation should be
weighted in the balance of the views held by society. Thus, an individual’s decision to end
their life or to diminish their survival’s capacity is a subjective view and cannot be final in
that regard (Alexander, 2016). The society takes precedence in matters of life and protects
the value placed on human life. Although an individual can make a decision on their