Ethics, Mental Health and Buddhism

Subject Overview

This subject explores the ethical dimensions of mental health care through both Western and Buddhist perspectives. Students critically examine diverse ethical frameworks and apply them to complex dilemmas in psychiatric and community mental health contexts, including issues of autonomy, coercion, cultural diversity, addiction, end-of-life care, suicide, and systemic inequality.

Buddhist ethical concepts such as karma, ethical intention, and the precepts are explored in relation to professional codes of ethics, mental health legislation, and dominant Western frameworks such as utilitarianism and principlism. While Western traditions often centre on rule-based or outcome-oriented judgements, Buddhist ethics foreground intentionality, compassion, and relational awareness. This invites students to consider how differing worldviews shape ethical understanding and action in mental health practice. 

Contemplative methods such as mindful reflection and ethical inquiry support students to develop an ethically grounded, culturally responsible, and compassionate approach to decision-making. The subject also engages emerging ethical issues, including those arising from technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), data use, and digital mental health interventions.  

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate diverse ethical frameworks, including Buddhist and Western perspectives, in relation to mental health practice.
2. Analyse the ethical dimensions of psychiatric care, including diagnosis, autonomy, coercion, and systemic power. 
3. Apply advanced ethical reasoning to complex dilemmas in contemporary mental health contexts (e.g. end-of-life care, cultural diversity, disability, involuntary treatment, artificial intelligence in clinical practice, and ethical responses to suffering). 
4. Demonstrate reflective and contemplative inquiry in ethical decision-making integrating personal, professional, and philosophical perspectives. 

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Ethical reflection and framework (25%, due week 4)
• Assessment 2: Case-based ethical analysis (35%, due week 7)
• Assessment 3: Presentation and ethical position paper (40%, due week 10)