Ideal and nonideal moral theory for disaster bioethics

What is it about?

This article looks at ethical dilemmas in disasters as an area where searching for an ideal solution can be frustrating. Instead, a nonideal approach assumes that no option will be ideal, and every alternative will have some ethical problem. Such situations inevitably lead to feelings of regret or guilt, commonly encountered in discussions of disaster bioethics. This paper explores the practical implications of nonideal approaches for disaster responders working in tragic situations.

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Why is it important?

This approach acknowledges the moral distress often encountered in disaster situations where people feel like their best was not good enough. It offers an alternative to seeking after ideal answers which can be frustrating or demoralising.