This essay is like the depth part of my portfolio since it reflects my ability to engage critically with ethical concepts and apply them to individual experiences. In my portfolio, I point out themes of responsibility, vulnerability, and integrity—values at the core of Udo Schüklenk’s discussion on research ethics.
My own experience of getting medical care after my soccer accident demonstrates the real-world relevance of ethical principles like informed consent, privacy, and compassionate treatment, all of which align with Schüklenk’s views. Such alignment makes my portfolio stronger by showing my ability to analyze complex ideas and apply them to real life.
Moreover, my reflection regarding trust among healthcare workers is further reinforced by my general theme of moral decision-making that underlies deeper exploration in my portfolio. Applying academic critique with personal understanding, the essay enhances the cautious and thoughtful working typical of my depth section.
Introduction to Research Ethics by Udo Schüklenk
Introduction
Udo Schüklenk is a bioethicist and philosopher best known for his contributions to medical ethics. He has made important contributions to debates on euthanasia, public health ethics, and research ethics. Schuklenk has written extensively on the importance of ethical considerations in research and has advocated for responsible study design to protect participants’ rights and well-being. His work has influenced ethical guidelines and debates in the field of bioethics.
Udo Schuklenk’s Introduction to Research Ethics focuses on research ethics, which is all about the moral standards and directives that scientists should adhere to when carrying out their investigations. It delves deeply into issues including secrecy, privacy, and informed permission as well as the moral treatment of research subjects. To ensure ethical conduct throughout the study process, Schuklenk examines the intricacies and difficulties that researchers encounter. His work offers insightful analysis and helpful advice to help researchers deal with these moral dilemmas.
Main Points and Arguments in the Article
Udo Schuklenk’s work on research ethics encompasses a wide range of themes. Among his principal claims and issues of contention are:
Informed Consent: Schuklenk stresses the significance of getting research participants’ informed consent. He talks about how the goal, methods, possible hazards, and advantages of the study must all be explained in detail and in a clear and understandable manner. By giving their informed permission, participants can make an independent decision to join and are guaranteed to know exactly what they are getting into.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Schuklenk emphasizes how important it is to uphold participants’ right to privacy and the secrecy of their personal data. He examines the moral issues related to gathering, storing, and exchanging data while highlighting the necessity of strong security protocols to protect participant identities and private information.
Ethical Treatment of Research Subjects: Schuklenk highlights the duty that researchers must treat their subjects with ethics. He addresses issues including preventing injury, guaranteeing impartial care, and resolving any possible conflicts of interest. He makes a strong case for the significance of treating study subjects with decency and respect at every stage of the procedure.
Research with Vulnerable Populations: The ethical issues surrounding working with vulnerable populations—children, prisoners, people with cognitive impairments, etc.—are examined by Schuklenk. He talks about the need for extra precautions and considerations to protect these people’s rights and welfare.
Ethical Review and Oversight: The significance of ethical review and supervision in research is emphasized by Schuklenk. He talks about how research proposals are assessed by institutional review boards (IRBs) or ethics committees to make sure they adhere to ethical guidelines. The rights and welfare of research participants are safeguarded by this procedure.
Transparency and Openness: Schuklenk is an advocate for research that is open and transparent. He emphasizes how important it is to reveal any funding sources, conflicts of interest, and potential biases that might affect the results of the research. The research’s credibility and integrity are preserved in part by this openness. These extra details provide more insight into the ethical principles and practices that researchers ought to follow.
According to Udo Schuklenk, what is the importance of ethical considerations in research?
Ethical considerations in research are critical in ensuring that studies are conducted responsibly and morally. They entail considering the rights, well-being, and dignity of those involved in the research process, such as participants or subjects. Researchers should aim to minimize potential harm while maximizing the benefits of their studies by adhering to ethical guidelines. They must obtain informed consent from participants, which means that individuals must fully understand the research’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks or benefits before agreeing to participate. Researchers must also protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants, as well as keep their personal information secure. Conducting research with integrity and honesty is also an ethical consideration.
This includes avoiding any form of deception or manipulation that could harm participants or jeopardize the study’s validity. Researchers must also ensure that their findings are reported accurately and not distorted. Overall, ethical considerations in research are critical for preserving trust, upholding ethical standards, and protecting the well-being of those involved in the research process. It all comes down to conducting research in a responsible and respectful manner!
How have I connected with the article?
After reading Udo Schuklenk’s article, I have taken the time to reminisce about my own experiences. During high school, I was a well-rounded athlete that played all the different sports you could think of. Towards the end of the school term, we would play soccer with different schools. Unfortunately, during one of the games, I ended up getting slide tackled which resulted to me breaking my leg. At the time, I was in boarding school meaning that I was all alone in a different city and away from my immediate family. I had to be rushed to the hospital to get treatment. Furthermore, at the time I was a minor and my parents were not around to help me through the medical process, I had to really trust the medical professionals who were assigned to take care of me. I was part of the vulnerable populations that Udo Schuklenk’s talks about in his article. Fortunately, before receiving any treatment, parents were informed about the ongoing situation and they had given the hospital the thumps up to perform surgery on me. At the same time, the doctors and nurses were quite compassionate with my situation knowing that I was alone. They explained, to me what was going on because I was still in shock, and they also guided me through the different procedure, that I was going to undergo. Lastly, after I was treated the nurses continuously took care of me until my parents arrived. As for privacy and confidentiality, even though I was in boarding school none of my medical records were shared with the school. Everything was kept private and only shared with me and my parents. I’m glad that, at the time the medical professionals and hospital took care of me knowing the vulnerable position I was in. After reading the article, it made me realize how important those steps were taken into making me feel comfortable.
Do I agree or disagree with Udo Schuklenk’s article?
It is quite obvious that I agree with Udo Schuklenk’s article, because he presents his arguments in a clear and logical manner, which increases his persuasiveness. He also backs up his points with evidence and research, lending credence to his claims. Furthermore, his article addresses important ethical issues such as euthanasia and public health, which is important to me especially because I want to be treated with care and respect when receiving any sort of medical treatment. Additionally, in a world where a lot of people are always trying to cut corners I believe that, especially in a medical position that, that should not be the case when dealing with patients. These days it is it even harder to trust, people who are responsible for your care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading the article as I was able to learn about how important research methods really are. Sometimes, these methods can be overlooked and reading the article really emphasizes on their importance. Udo Schuklenk’s article, was well written and I will definitely be on the lookout for more article like this.
References
Udo Schüklenk. Schüklenk, Udo | Department of Philosophy. (n.d.). https://www.queensu.ca/philosophy/people/udo-schuklenk
Schüklenk, U. (1970, January 1). Udo Schüklenk, module one: Introduction to research ethics. PhilPapers. https://philpapers.org/rec/UDOMOI
Bhandari, P. (2023, June 22). Ethical considerations in research: Types & examples. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/research-ethics/#:~:text=What%20are%20ethical%20considerations%20in,for%20harm%2C%20and%20results%20communication.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). What is Ethics in Research & Why is it important? – by David B. Resnik, J.D., ph.D.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20reasons%20why,the%20truth%20and%20minimize%20error.