Background Most writing about uncertainty in healthcare has addressed empirical uncertainty – that is, resulting from insufficient or conflicting facts. Objective To consider moral uncertainty by exploring how different theories apply to a single clinical case. Method In this philosophical reflection, I briefly acknowledge empirical uncertainty before introducing and exploring the topic of moral uncertainty – defined as the question of what to do when we do not know what (morally) to do—using a case study of my own mother’s deterioration and death from Covid-19. Results I identify and apply a number of philosophical theories relevant to managing moral uncertainty, including utilitarianism, deontology, practical rationality and feminist philosophy. Conclusion Different moral theories lead to different conclusions about the best course of action in situations of moral uncertainty. Practice implications Detailed analysis and close reading of a single case can provide insights into how to act in morally complex situations, but learning is in the form of enriched understanding, not formulaic rules. Highlights • Analyses a single clinical case of death from Covid-19. • Considers moral uncertainty from multiple philosophical perspectives. • Finds that different theories may lead to different decisions and actions.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, Moral uncertainty, Utilitarian ethics, Deontological ethics, Practical ethics, Feminist philosophy, 【초록키워드】 Deterioration, healthcare, Practice, death, Analysis, Topic, complex, MOST, Deontology, implication, objective, Course, Result, defined, resulting, identify, question, addressed, 【제목키워드】 Moral,