An Examination of Decision-making: The Classical Models, Checklists and Asian Approaches

Some would argue that debating biomedical ethics provides no answer at all while others would say that the purpose of biomedical ethics is simply to find a better answer among many possible alternatives. The important question, however, is how does biomedical ethics influence decision-making? In other words, how is a decision made? Many approaches are available to come to a conclusion. Some follow a teleological argument while others will consider what our duties are from a deontological perspective. Asians also have their own way of coming to a conclusion. This article will look first at Western arguments such as the deontological, consequential and checklists approaches, and then look at the Asian way of decision-making such as the Confucian, Taoist and Motist approaches. This paper will also argue that a sound decision-making process must not only be autonomous but should also involve family members.