Healthcare logic and ethics class

Hi,

I am not trying to sound dumb here but can anyone explain to me why we need this class? I mean I know we need to understand the rules and such but my class is just learning how to argue.

We spend the 3 hour lecture just arguing over our opinions.:angryfire I mean we are always going to have our own opinions and I just don't see what the purpose of this is. I don't see how someone can teach me how to listen to an argument better. A little common sense would go a long way in the nursing field. If you don't agree keep your mouth shut!!!!:chuckle

Sorry I guess this class is important I just don't get it.

Jenn

[llg, PhD, RN]

The purpose of the class is to help you learn how to think, how to evaluate evidence, how to recognize the difference between rational reasoning and emotional convictions, etc. It is NOT a class that is designed to give you facts about healthcare.

One of the major hurdles you will face in your career is the need to be a "critical thinker." That term is thrown around a lot to mean a lot of different things. But it basically means that you have good, solid intellectual skills and can analyze a situation, evaluate information, sort out substantiated facts from unsubstantiated opinions, prioritize, make a good decision, etc. You will also be faced with colleagues who lack these skills. You will need to know how to convince people to do what you want them to do.

That's why it is important that your education includes classes that teach you how to think ... and analyze ... and reason ... as well as classes that give you facts about healthcare.

That said ... the particular class you are taking may not be a very good class. Either the teacher may not be doing a very good job ... or the students may not be rising to the challenge of the class. That's a whole other problem!

llg

[bioniclewoman]

Hi,

I am not trying to sound dumb here but can anyone explain to me why we need this class? I mean I know we need to understand the rules and such but my class is just learning how to argue.

We spend the 3 hour lecture just arguing over our opinions.:angryfire I mean we are always going to have our own opinions and I just don't see what the purpose of this is. I don't see how someone can teach me how to listen to an argument better. A little common sense would go a long way in the nursing field. If you don't agree keep your mouth shut!!!!:chuckle

Sorry I guess this class is important I just don't get it.

Jenn

Sounds like a history class I had last semester. My teacher rarely lectured he just argued with students and students argued with each other about politics, racism, etc. I avoid arguing as best I can so this class was not much fun for me. The class your taking sounds like a great class if it required less arguing.

[bioniclewoman]

Hi,

I am not trying to sound dumb here but can anyone explain to me why we need this class? I mean I know we need to understand the rules and such but my class is just learning how to argue.

We spend the 3 hour lecture just arguing over our opinions.:angryfire I mean we are always going to have our own opinions and I just don't see what the purpose of this is. I don't see how someone can teach me how to listen to an argument better. A little common sense would go a long way in the nursing field. If you don't agree keep your mouth shut!!!!:chuckle

Sorry I guess this class is important I just don't get it.

Jenn

Sounds like a history class I had last semester. My teacher rarely lectured he just argued with students and students argued with each other about politics, racism, etc. I avoid arguing as best I can so this class was not much fun for me. The class your taking sounds like a great class if it required less arguing.

[Soleilpie]

It's probably more of a debate versus arguing. I think participating in these types of debates lets you see how many positions there can be on a particular subject. I think it helps you understand that with the many positions that exist, there aren't usually any easy answers or solutions. When a ethical situation comes up while you're practicing nursing, it may cause you to pause and think before acting. You may realize that you may have to act on the patient's behalf as the patient would want you to versus how you want to. We debated in my ethics class but we had to state what ethical principle (viracity, autonomy, fidelity etc.) we were basing our opinion on. It was one my favorite classes. The instructor never gave his opinion because he never wanted to sway anyone to one side or another. I think he felt that if he stated his opinion, we'd think he was more right because of his position as a teacher. This class certainly stressed that there was a lot to consider than just my personal opinion on issues.

[Soleilpie]

It's probably more of a debate versus arguing. I think participating in these types of debates lets you see how many positions there can be on a particular subject. I think it helps you understand that with the many positions that exist, there aren't usually any easy answers or solutions. When a ethical situation comes up while you're practicing nursing, it may cause you to pause and think before acting. You may realize that you may have to act on the patient's behalf as the patient would want you to versus how you want to. We debated in my ethics class but we had to state what ethical principle (viracity, autonomy, fidelity etc.) we were basing our opinion on. It was one my favorite classes. The instructor never gave his opinion because he never wanted to sway anyone to one side or another. I think he felt that if he stated his opinion, we'd think he was more right because of his position as a teacher. This class certainly stressed that there was a lot to consider than just my personal opinion on issues.