Ethical relativism proposes that there are no universal principles of morality; rather, moral principles are unique to and determined by a society’s culture. Both Pellegrino and Macklin challenge the theory of ethical relativism in their own respective papers by arguing that there are universal moral principles in healthcare. I concur with Pellegrino and Macklin’s assessment of ethical relativism, as I have two arguments against the applicability of ethical relativism in healthcare: First, like both Pellegrino and Macklin, I acknowledge that there are universal principles of morality in medicine. Second, I find fault with the premise of the theory of ethical relativism. When exploring ethics in healthcare across the world, Macklin examined …show more content…
Macklin further highlighted universal values that are integral to the practice of medicine, such as respect and trust between the healthcare workers and patients. Similarly, Pellegrino, while examining autonomy in our healthcare system, stipulates that there are universal moral principles foundational to medicine across the world such as beneficence, justice, and respect for autonomy. Regardless of a society’s culture, the relationship between the public and healthcare workers must be founded on the principles of trust and respect. Patients must respect and believe that healthcare providers have the knowledge and capability to be entrusted with their health, and as well believe they have their best interests in mind. Healthcare workers in turn must act with dignity and respect the rights of patients. Without these principles, the public would not trust the healthcare system with their health. These fundamentals are universally present in the practice of medicine, therefore, I agree that these are considered universal moral