How do ethical theories justify confidentiality?

Asked by: Benton Klein  |  Last update: December 5, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (63 votes)

It has been defended by utilitarians and deontologists alike, not as a moral end in itself, but as a means to a desirable end such as the general welfare, respect for autonomy, or respect for privacy. Neither philosophers nor codes of medical ethics consider confidentiality to be an "absolute" principle.

What is the justification of confidentiality?

The primary justification is to respect the autonomy (freedom, self-determination) of individuals and corporations and to recognize their legitimate control over some private information concerning themselves. The rights and duties of autonomy along with its utilities are to be observed.

Which ethical principle deals with confidentiality?

The 4 main ethical principles, that is beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, are defined and explained. Informed consent, truth-telling, and confidentiality spring from the principle of autonomy, and each of them is discussed.

What is confidentiality in ethical standards?

Confidentiality refers to the duty to protect privileged information and to share entrusted information responsibly. It stems from the notion that a person's wishes, decisions, and personal information should be treated with respect. The duty of confidentiality can apply to individuals, organizations, and institutions.

What is a deontological argument for confidentiality?

Confidentiality is very much a deontological virtue: it places a duty on one individual to another. And by this very focus on private interaction, it is honoured between individuals, and without consideration of the wider context, and despite the utility the private knowledge might have for others.

Kant's Ethical Theory

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What is the deontological argument for the right to privacy?

The reason for this is that they are a fundamental right which ensures the personhood of individuals by allowing them to control who has access to personal information about them. Privacy issues are also of importance because it helps individuals avoid unwanted intrusions in their personal dealings.

What is deontological ethics justification?

Deontological ethics holds that at least some acts are morally obligatory regardless of their consequences for human welfare. Descriptive of such ethics are such expressions as “Duty for duty's sake,” “Virtue is its own reward,” and “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”

How can confidentiality be an ethical issue?

Clients who cannot trust professionals to treat information as confidential may withhold information that is important to assessment and treatment. When professionals disregard the privacy of their clients, the clients are injured in obvious and/or subtle ways.

Does confidentiality fall under ethics?

While the ethical duty of confidentiality is universal, the legal concept of privilege is not uniformly recognized or applied in all jurisdictions.

What is the importance of ethics and confidentiality?

The importance of confidentiality is extremely high in most businesses, workplaces and careers. Being able to handle personal details, data and other private information ethically is vital for companies to operate, retain the public's trust and meet specific compliance laws and regulations.

Is confidentiality an ethical and legal right?

While confidentiality is an ethical duty, privacy is a right rooted in the common law. Understanding the difference between confidentiality and privacy can spare you a lot of confusion when signing contracts, establishing a client-attorney relationship, and generally knowing your rights in a given situation.

What is the basic principle of confidentiality?

The definition of confidentiality in health and social care is keeping sensitive information private and respecting someone's wishes. It means that professionals shouldn't share personal details about someone with others, unless that person has said they can or it's absolutely necessary.

What is ethical consideration confidentiality and anonymity?

Anonymity means you don't know who the participants are, while confidentiality means you know who they are but remove identifying information from your research report. Both are important ethical considerations.

Is confidentiality an ethical principle in social work?

1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality. (a) Social workers should respect clients' right to privacy. Social workers should not solicit private information from or about clients except for compelling professional reasons. Once private information is shared, standards of confidentiality apply.

Does ethical research respect confidentiality?

Individuals should be treated with respect from the time they are approached for possible participation — even if they refuse enrollment in a study — throughout their participation and after their participation ends. This includes: respecting their privacy and keeping their private information confidential.

Are there ethical exceptions to confidentiality?

Most of the mandatory exceptions to confidentiality are well known and understood. They include reporting child, elder and dependent adult abuse, and the so-called "duty to protect." However, there are other, lesserknown exceptions also required by law.

Is breaking confidentiality an ethical dilemma?

For example, many psychologists have rated the topic of breaking confidentiality as a frequent ethical troubling incident that they face (Pope & Vetter, 1992).

What is deontology vs utilitarianism?

In deontological approach, outcomes/consequences may not just justify the means to achieve it while in utilitarian approach; outcomes determine the means and greatest benefit expected for the greatest number. In brief, deontology is patient-centered, whereas utilitarianism is society-centered.

What is the utilitarianism theory?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It is a form of consequentialism. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

What is a deontological ethical theory explain and give an example?

Deontology is an ethical theory that uses rules to distinguish right from wrong. Deontology is often associated with philosopher Immanuel Kant. Kant believed that ethical actions follow universal moral laws, such as “Don't lie. Don't steal. Don't cheat.”

What does utilitarianism say about privacy?

The utilitarian position receives considerable support from the views expressed in this study by patients. They clearly value confidentiality, see it as important in a medical consultation, and recognise that disclosure without consent would be likely to deter some patients from seeking treatment.

What is the ethical theory of the right to privacy?

According to this view, there is a moral value of privacy that stems from being a shield to protect the individual against scrutiny, prejudice, pressure, exploitation and judgements of others. So, by enabling individuals to have freedom and independence, the importance of privacy is clearly manifested.

What is an example of deontological ethics?

Deontology Examples
  • Honesty: Telling the truth no matter what, even if it may lead to unfavorable outcomes. ...
  • Respect: Showing respect to others by honoring their wishes and beliefs, even if you disagree with them.

What is the understanding of confidentiality?

Confidentiality means the state of keeping secret or not disclosing information. It comes from confide, meaning to trust someone or tell secrets to them. Confidential information, therefore, is information that should be kept private or secret. Confidentiality is simply the act of keeping that information private.

What is the difference between privacy and confidentiality in ethics?

Key Differences Between Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy talks about a person, but Confidentiality is about information. Privacy restricts the public from accessing the personal details about a person, whereas Confidentiality protects the information from the range of unauthorised persons.