Physicians’ Ethical Duties: A Philosophical and Contextual Analysis
Abstract
Medical ethics extends beyond professional codes and clinical protocols; it is deeply rooted in moral philosophy and social context. This article examines the ethical duties of physicians through the frameworks of Kantian deontology and Mill’s utilitarianism, integrated with contemporary biomedical ethics. Using real-world clinical dilemmas and contextual examples from Bangladesh, the paper analyzes tensions between autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). It also highlights the ethical responsibilities of patients and the influence of cultural and systemic constraints on medical decision-making. The article argues that philosophical reasoning is essential for ethical medical practice and the preservation of human dignity in healthcare.
References
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