Case method

Abstract

Teaching medical ethics by the case method may be enriched by adding to the principles-and-rules approach to practical reasoning modes of inquiry and interpretation that engage the moral imagination.

KIE: Carson and Higgs are strong advocates of the use of case studies in the teaching of medical ethics. Carson maintains that cases convey the drama of physician-patient interaction to students and teach them to identify, analyze, interpret, and resolve moral issues. He also points out the pitfalls in teaching by the case method, a prominent one being entanglement in clinical details and in fine points of moral philosophy and theology. Higgs expands upon Carson's thesis and examines the role of case studies in helping health professionals to identify where their professed ideas are not reflected in their practices, in providing surrogates for life experience, and in defining divergent and paradoxical concepts and attitudes. He urges constant examination of the interaction of professionals and patients to maintain ethical behavior.