New Approaches in Ethics for the Caring Professions : Taking Account of Change for Caring Professions

Ethics are central to the caring professions. The very idea of a profession stakes a claim on the ethical basis of knowledge and skills. In this book Richard Hugman examines new approaches in ethics and applies these to the practices and organisation of the caring professions. Hugman addresses debates about the relationship between the individual person and social structures, about pluralism and the possibility of universal values, about the challenges created by industrial society and technology, and about the changing social mandate for the caring professions. These debates are considered from the perspectives of liberalism, feminism, ecology, postmodernism and constructivism. Ideas are explained and the implications for professional ethics are explored using illustrative examples from practice to show their relevance for the caring professions. This book will be essential reading for members of caring professions (especially allied health, medicine, nursing, psychology, social work and teaching) and students entering these professions. Richard Hugman Focuses On What Kind Of Ethical Theory Might Be Helpful For Professional Ethics & Explores Debates From The Perspectives Of Liberalism, Feminism, Ecology, Postmodernism & Constructivism. Contemporary Professional Ethics -- Key Debates About Ethics -- Why Professional Ethics? -- The Intelligence Of Emotions And The Ethics Of Compassion -- Feminism And The Ethics Of Care -- Ecology And The Ethics Of Life -- Postmodernity And Ethics Beyond Liberalism -- Discourse Ethics : Constructionism Or Critical Realism? -- Re-evaluating Professional Ethics -- Discursive Professional Ethics. Richard Hugman. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 172-184) And Index. This clear and persuasive book examines recent developments in ethics and applies these to the practice and organisation of the caring professions. Its original approach focuses on what kind of ethical theory might be helpful for professional ethics, and explores debates from the perspectives of liberalism, feminism, ecology, postmodernism and constructivism. With ideas accessibly explained and implications explored using illustrative examples from practice contexts, it is essential reading for students and professionals