In an era where the advancement of medical research and technology is rapid, the importance translating ethical ideals into practical applications cannot be overstated. However, despite the wealth of research in bioethics, there remains a gap between ethical ideals and their implementation in practice. This disconnection not only hinders the realization of ethical norms but also undermines the credibility of organizations that proclaim adherence to values such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

 

The American Journal of Bioethics, in its 2020 issue, sheds light on this pressing matter through insightful articles exploring the challenge of putting ethics into practice. It includes a discussion on the role of knowledge translation and implementation science in bridging this gap (Bærøe & Henden 2020). It emphasizes that while there is consensus on many ethical issues, the extent to which these conclusions are implemented remains uncertain. This raises critical questions about the necessity of applying knowledge translation and implementation science in the field of ethics. Another key aspect highlighted is the application of knowledge translation methodologies in healthcare ethics. Just as research findings are disseminated and applied to improve health outcomes, ethical ideals as principles must also undergo a similar process to ensure they are effectively integrated into practice. Implementation science, which focuses on strategies to promote the adoption and sustainability of evidence-based practices, offers valuable insights into how ethical norms can be translated into tangible actions.

 

It is frustrating to realize that even within the applied ethics community ethical norms may fail to translate into practice. Organizations that espouse values of CSR and EDI are particularly scrutinized when their actions do not align with their stated principles. This highlights the urgency of addressing the disconnect between ethical theory and practice.

 

The limited number of articles published on this topic underscores the need for further research and exploration. By delving deeper into the intersection of ethics, knowledge translation, and implementation science, scholars can uncover innovative approaches to address this challenge. Encouragement of interdisciplinary collaboration between ethicists, healthcare professionals, and implementation scientists can contribute to the development of effective strategies for integrating ethical principles into various domains.

 

It is imperative that we recognize the importance of knowledge translation and implementation science in realizing ethical principles. We can increase our practical understanding of ways to bridge the gap between ethical theory and practice, ultimately fostering moral consistency in professional ethics practices among ethicists and ethics consultants (e.g. healthcare ethics, organizational ethics, professional ethics). It is time for ethicists, ethics researchers, and practitioners to put their resources together towards ethical implementation.

 

This first issue for 2024 of Etikk i praksis: Nordic Journal of Applied Ethics brings together original articles and a book review that all indirectly lean toward translating ethical norms to practice.

 

In the insightful article Public spirit and compassion fatigue by Trine Lykkegaard Sønderkær, readers will delve into the critical issue of compassion fatigue among nurses, particularly accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Danish healthcare system. Sønderkær's work, grounded in participatory observations and thematic analysis, explores the intricate relationship between the political discourse of "public spirit" and its impact on the nursing profession. The article examines how this discourse has contributed to the emotional and moral stress experienced by nurses, leading to compassion fatigue—a state where the ability to provide care is compromised. Through a linguistic-philosophical lens, the author discusses the potential of "waywardness" as a countermeasure to compassion fatigue, advocating for the prioritization of nurses' well-being and self-compassion. The article not only sheds light on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals but also suggests pathways for future research and interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of care and the retention of nursing staff.

 

The second article, Compromises and Fairness by Juha Räikkä, discusses the intricate nature of compromise and its relationship with fairness. Räikkä, a philosopher from the University of Turku, Finland, challenges conventional wisdom by dissecting the concept of fairness in compromises, distinguishing between bargaining-position fairness, procedural fairness, end-state fairness, and split-the-difference fairness. Through a series of compelling arguments and examples, including the "Dilemma of Champagne Bottles," he defends the controversial notion of split-the-difference fairness, which takes into account people's actual beliefs—even when they are false—in the pursuit of a fair compromise. The article invites readers to reconsider the role of subjective beliefs in negotiations and the complex interplay between different dimensions of fairness, ultimately questioning what it means to reach a truly fair agreement.

 

The third article, by Alicia Macías Recio, Aesthetic-epistemological contradictions in the concept of water: A necessary reformulation for life, explores the complex relationship between humanity and water, as seen through the lens of two contrasting epistemologies: the monetized perspective that commodifies water for profit, and the non-monetized view that advocates for water as a common good integral to all life. It delves into the philosophical and practical implications of these opposing stances, challenging us to reconsider our aesthetic and epistemological approach to water. It calls for a radical re-ontologization of water, urging a shift from mere consumption to a more responsible, interconnected understanding of water's role in our ecosystems. The article reveals the urgent need to reshape our knowledge and actions regarding water management, aiming to foster a more sustainable and equitable future.

 

The fourth article, by Martin Peterson and Barbro Fröding, Privacy in a Smart City, explores privacy ethics within Smart Cities. They delve into the complex interplay between individual autonomy and the collective good in an era of burgeoning urban technology. Readers will engage with the nuanced argument that while systematic data collection can be ethically permissible, it must not significantly impinge on personal autonomy, and any minor privacy infringements must serve the broader public interest. Through real-world examples ranging from pandemic response to environmental sustainability, the article critically examines the ethical boundaries of surveillance and data use, advocating for a balance of transparency, trust, and accountability. This piece is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethical implications of Smart City technologies on privacy and the intricate moral considerations that must guide their implementation.

 

The fifth article, by Teppo Eskelinen, Jawaria Khan, and Anna Härri, Cobalt mining and responsibility: An analysis of the meaning of ethical products, analyzes ethical consumerism and corporate responsibility and invites the readers to delve into the complex world of ethical product sourcing, with a particular focus on the cobalt mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The article presents a critical analysis of what it truly means for a product to be considered "ethical," challenging the adequacy of minimum criteria and advocating for a more transformative approach that promotes social change. Through the lens of the "Ethical Laptop" project, the authors examine the intricate dilemmas faced by companies when navigating their supply chains and the broader implications of their engagement with local communities and stakeholders. This piece not only scrutinizes the current voluntary nature of corporate responsibility but also underscores the potential for ethical products to serve as catalysts for progress, inviting readers to reconsider the intersection of ethics, consumer preferences, and the pursuit of social justice in global value chains.

 

The issue concludes with a book review by Espen Lauritzen of Hilde Vinje's book "Én svale gjør ingen sommer". Vinje's work delves into the relationship between happiness and time, challenging modern perceptions of happiness as fleeting moments and emphasizing the importance of a complete life and the narrative structure of one's life story in achieving true happiness. Vinje's book is praised for its convincing arguments and use of classical examples, such as the stories of Croesus and Hecuba, to illustrate the ancient perspective on happiness. The review also notes that while the book successfully contrasts ancient and modern views on happiness, it could have further explored the concept of everyday happiness as recognized by the ancients.
 

References

Bærøe, K., & Henden, E. (2020). Translational ethics and challenges involved in putting norms into practice. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 71-73. CrossRef

Nijsingh, N., Jansky, B., Marckmann, G., & Kuehlmeyer, K. (2020). Mind the Gap: How Should We Translate Specific Ethical Norms Into Interventions?. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 89-91. CrossRef

Sisk, B. A., Mozersky, J., Antes, A. L., & DuBois, J. M. (2020). The “ought-is” problem: An implementation science framework for translating ethical norms into practice. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 62-70. CrossRef

Saylor, K. W., & Roberts, M. C. (2020). Implementation science can do even more for translational ethics. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 83-85. CrossRef

Bedzow, I., & Wynia, M. (2020). Ethical Training Can Turn an “Ought” to a “Can”. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 73-75. CrossRef

Kelly, D., & Morar, N. (2020). Bioethical ideals, actual practice, and the double life of norms. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 86-88. CrossRef

Pacyna, J. E., & Tilburt, J. C. (2020). An “implementation mindset” in normative bioethics will have unintended consequences. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 76-78. CrossRef

Dastidar, J. G. (2020). Beyond Translating Ethical Norms Into Practice: Integrating Implementation and Assessment Mindsets. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 92-94. CrossRef

Nobis, N., & Sodeke, S. (2020). Making Ethics Happen: Addressing Injustice in Health Inequalities. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(4), 100-101. CrossRef