title: Four Roles of Ethical Theory in Clinical Ethics Consultation.
abstract: When clinical ethics committee members discuss a complex ethical dilemma, what use do they have for normative ethical theories? Members without training in ethical theory may still contribute to a pointed and nuanced analysis. Nonetheless, the knowledge and use of ethical theories can play four important roles: aiding in the initial awareness and identification of the moral challenges, assisting in the analysis and argumentation, contributing to a sound process and dialogue, and inspiring an attitude of reflexivity. These four roles of ethical theory in clinical ethics consultation are described and their significance highlighted, while an example case is used as an illustration throughout.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Medical Ethics , University of Oslo.
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Magelssen
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Medical Ethics , University of Oslo.
authors.forename: Reidar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Medical Ethics , University of Oslo.
authors.forename: Reidun
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Førde
mesh_terms: D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004989:Ethics; D017041:Ethics Committees; D028741:Ethics Committees, Clinical; D033061:Ethics Consultation; D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans
keywords: bioethics; clinical ethics; education; ethical theory; ethics committees/consultation