Veterinarian in Society

VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

• Values are the standards by which we judge human behaviour. They are, in other words, moral rules, promoting those things thought of as good and minimizing or avoiding those things thought of as bad. We usually learn these values at an early age, from observing behaviour and through religious education.
• Ethical values stem from ethical principles. Ethical principles are action guides derived from ethical theories. Each of these principles consists of various moral rules, which are our learned values. For example, the values of dealing honestly with patients; fully informing patients owner before procedures, therapy, or being involved in research; and respecting the patient’s personal values are all assumed under the principle of autonomy or respect for persons.
• Although each person is entitled to have a personal system of values, there are certain values that have become generally accepted by the medical community, courts, legislatures, and society at large.
• A respect for patients / its owner has been considered so fundamental that it is often given overriding importance.