Applied Clinical Ethics or Universal Principles

Introduction from Dr. Eth: This issue's column is a forceful reminder that moral reasoning is a product of sophisticated theoretical systems. Dr. Clements and Dr. Ciccone present a penetrating analysis of two distinct ethical models. They argue in favor of the methodology of applied clinical ethics, which is conceptually similar to the process employed by many therapists in their own clinical thinking. As the authors demonstrate, the choice of a particular ethical framework will have important consequences for professional behavior and patient care.

The program in psychiatric ethics at the University of Rochester (N.Y.) School of Medicine and Dentistry