Chapter 13

1. How do utilitarianism and deontology relate to individual and societal rights in dealing with mental retardation?

It represents polarized viewpoints of the rights and worth of individuals in society. Utilitarian is based on the premise that any action is “right” if it leads to the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

2. How do genetic counseling and abortion relate to prevention of mental retardation?

It ensures parents, or potential parents are thoroughly informed about gentic disorder under consideration.  It helps make the best possible adjustment to the disorder in an affected family member and/or the risk of recurrence of the disorder.

3. Some have taken the position that if nontreatment of certain infants is in violation of the law, then the law should be changed.  How does this position fit with deontological philosophy, and how does it fit with utilitarianist philosophy? What are your views and why do you believe as you?

Utilitarian

It may not be the best answer for all people, there it would not be conducive for all of society.

Deontology

It takes away from a person doing what is best in their individual circumstances.

I personally feel that no two situations may be the same, therefore each case should hold its own set of criteria, and everyone is different.

4. It appears that selective nontreatment of infants with disabilities is more common that the general public knows. Who should make these judgments and which are life-and-death decisions? On what basis did you make your decisions?

I think a collaborative decision should be made between parents, or responsible adults and medical personnel.  I was capable of making my own decisions after weighing out the situation.

5. Special service for children with mental retardation often cost a great deal more than educational services for their peers without mental retardation.  To what degree do you think parents of children without disabilities should be held responsible for the increased costs of educating children having mental retardation? On what basis do you believe as you do?

I think that it should be free or according to their income.  Some families do not have any income at all, but ant their child given the best education possible.  I think it should be according to you income. I believe this way because I seen families without many suffer for lack of educating their children.

6. Sterilization of adults with mental retardation is often justified on the basis of the general welfare of society and state.  How might the best interests of the state and those of the individual be in conflict? Whose interest should prevail? Why?

The individual may want children in life. I think the personal opinion should matter because if a person can understand consequences then they should be in control of their personal decisions.

7. How did early marriage laws related to people with mental retardation seem to place society’s interests above those of the individual? Has this changed? Explain your reasoning in both cases.

Because if society felt one should not marry for any given reason then that’s what was done, it goes against what an individual may want. Times have changed such as society has changed.  There are ways and places now that support marriage between two persons with mental retardation.

8. How may scientific investigations aimed at improving the lot of those with mental retardation also be conflict with their individual rights?

It may invade the privacy of the person having research done.

9. How does the interdisciplinary nature of the mental retardation field contribute to professional ethical difficulties?

Professionals must remain careful to administer the most effective interventions possible while simultaneously remaining conscience of the rights of people with mental retardation. People with mental retardation are very vulnerable, so one must be very careful.