Reconciling 'is' and 'ought': Innovative solutions for empirical ethics research
Anna-Marie Greaney
Institute of Technology Tralee
Anna-Marie is a registered nurse who practiced clinically, primarily in the area of nephrology and renal dialysis. She currently lectures on ethics and professional issues at the Department of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, Institute of Technology Tralee. Anna-Marie is Chair of the Research Ethics Committee in her host institution and is a member of the ethics committee of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Significant research interests include the experience of autonomy among stakeholders within healthcare, and the relationship between empirical research and ethical reasoning. Her PhD thesis explored the patient experience of autonomy in diabetes management, and concludes with an understanding of autonomy (Negotiated Autonomy) to reconcile patient choice with professional obligations towards quality care. Anna-Marie recently project lead the development of a guidance document with the Health Information and Quality Authority to assist professionals to support the autonomy of people who access health and social care services.
Abstract
Background: In the last decade there has been a significant increase in empirical ethics research across disciplines to address moral problems in practice. However, a fundamental tension exists in using empirical findings to... [ view full abstract ]
Background: In the last decade there has been a significant increase in empirical ethics research across disciplines to address moral problems in practice. However, a fundamental tension exists in using empirical findings to resolve moral issues. This is referred to as the ‘is-ought problem’. The ‘is-ought problem’ is the more colloquial expression of Hume’s position that there is no logical relationship between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ statements. In essence, regardless of what we know about the world (the ‘is’ gleaned from empirical studies), it does not provide us with answers as to how we should live in the world (the ‘ought’ of moral action). This raises obvious questions about the value of empirical ethics research.
Aim and objectives: This paper aims to support nurse researchers to maximise the value of empirical work to address moral problems in clinical practice. The paper claims that the ‘is-ought’ problem does not represent a valid impediment to empirical bioethics research, and outlines a methodological approach whereby empirical research findings can be utilised to address moral problems.
Description of innovation: This innovation involves the application of a range of methodological processes outlined by Salloch and others, whereby the rigorous integration of empirical findings and ethical analysis can assist in addressing moral problems. Recent PhD research on patient autonomy is utilised to contextualise discussion, and explain how qualitative data can contribute to ethical judgements about what one ‘ought’ to do.
Impact of innovation: This innovation enabled the researcher to utilise empirical data on patients’ experiences of autonomy, to address moral problems related to respecting autonomy in practice. The outputs of the research have contributed to the development of national guidance in his regard.
Conclusions and implications: Innovative methodological approaches can enable nurse researchers to utilise empirical research to address moral problems in practice in a meaningful way.
Authors
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Anna-Marie Greaney
(Institute of Technology Tralee)
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Dónal P. O'Mathúna
(Dublin City University)
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P. Anne Scott
(Liverpool John Moore's University)
Topic Area
Topics: Innovations in research methodology, education or clinical practice
Session
RS » Research (14:00 - Thursday, 10th November, Seminar Room 2.51)
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