Values and cultural relativism

Abstract

The six values that commonly apply to medical ethics discussions are autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, dignity and truthfulness. These values provide us with a useful framework for understanding conflicts, but do not give answers on how to handle a particular situation. This article discusses values and cultural relativism based on the premise that, when a person makes a value judgement, it entails the idea of that person forming his or her own judgements about value issues. In health care practice, this is an important consideration because personal value judgements may directly influence the ways in which patients are treated. As health care professionals, we are obligated to transcend cultural boundaries, never to intentionally cause harm, and always to avoid the perpetuation of suffering and injustice. When moral values are in conflict, the result may be an ethical dilemma or crisis. Sometimes, no good solution to a dilemma in medical ethics exists and, occasionally, the values of the medical conflict with the values of the individual patient, family or community.