Canadian Health Information Management Association Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Divine Command and Virtue Ethics are recognized as ethical theories because they provide foundational principles to determine what is right and wrong based on religious or philosophical frameworks. Divine Command Theory suggests that moral values are grounded in the commands of a divine being, while Virtue Ethics focuses on the character traits and virtues that an individual should develop in order to lead a moral life. Together, they underline the importance of intention, character, and external moral guidelines in ethical decision-making, thereby allowing individuals to assess their actions against established moral standards.

In contrast, while Beneficence and Justice are significant concepts in medical ethics, they are not classified as standalone ethical theories. Instead, they are principles within the framework of ethical theories that can guide behavior and decision-making processes. Similarly, Self-determination Theory pertains more to psychological and motivational aspects rather than serving as a comprehensive ethical framework. Thus, Divine Command and Virtue Ethics distinctly stand out as established ethical theories because they encompass wider philosophical discussions about morality and human conduct.