Essay 4: Normative vs relational ethics in therapy

Normative approach

Normative ethic approach is concerned with criteria of what is morally right and wrong. It includes moral rules that have direct implications for what human actions, institutions, and ways of life should be like.

The central question of normative ethics is determining how basic moral standards are arrived at and justified.

• Directs behaviour according to norms and values

• Treat all people with respect irrespective of benefit

• Norms and values linked to a code of conduct, religion or philosophy

• Stifles ethical thinking

• Does not invite to think but to follow a rule

• Either ethical of unethical not human being with ethical dilemmas

• If you do not follow rules something disastrous will happen

• Universal and absolute