Medical Philosophy
Part I:
Ethical theories offer a guideline in which individuals can go about their lives abiding by. One of these prominent ethical theories include act utilitarianism. This is a utilitarian theory of ethics which states that a person's act is morally right if and only if it produces at least as much happiness as any other act that the person could perform at that time. Another prominent ethical theory is Kantianism, an act (token) morally permissible if and only if, in preforming that action, the agent satisfies the Categorical Imperative.
The Categorical Imperative include two different versions, one being the “Universal Law” version. This claims that an act token is morally permissible if and only if, in performing it, the agent acts on a maxim that he can at the same time, will to be a universal law. The second version is the “Mere Means/ Respect for human persons.” This states an act token is morally permissible if and only if, in performing that act, the agent does not treat anyone, even himself, merely as a means, but instead treats people as an end in themselves.
Part II:
These ethical theories played a role in analyzing the decision making of characters, Patrick (Casey Affleck), and Captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) in the film Gone, Baby Gone. The case of Amanda McCready grew complicated as Patrick discovered that Captain Jack Doyle had kidnapped her, with the help of the uncle, because they felt that Amanda's mother was neglecting her child. It was here that Patrick had to decide whether to let Amanda live this alter life with Captain Jack Doyle, where she would have sleepovers, play dates and grow up in a traditional american home, or to report his findings to the authorities. Ultimately, Patrick reported the kidnapping and Amanda was returned home to live a neglected life under the care of her mother and Captain Jack Doyle was