Includes bibliographical references and index.

Why ethics? -- Some basic logical tools --- Is morality relative? --- Philosophical theories and professional ethics --- Four principles --- Euthanasia --- Disability, screening, and the value of human life.

"This book trains students of the caring professions across health and social care in the basic philosophical skills and knowledge needed to deal with the ethical aspects of their profession, by showing why ethical education is required. Through teaching the skills of reasoning that equip professional to think critically about the theories and arguments used in ethical discussions, it shows how we can be confident that we can rely on common moral ground; but it also points out how we need to recognise the influence of different world-views and to note how, on some issues, these can lead us in starkly different directions. By explaining relevant philosophical theories and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses - particularly in relation to what is required for proper professional ethics, it demonstrates how to employ the commonly accepted framework of four ethical principles - beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice using two extended case studies - the problem of euthanasia, and the question of screening for disability and the value of human life. Ethical Basics for the Caring Professions is designed for use on all health and social care and human services courses on ethics and values. It will also be of interest to academics and professionals working within these fields"-- Provided by publisher.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher.