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Hello Sally,

This is a good question for all of the teams. I think some of the students feel that the teachings are a little too mystical to be of any use. It is important to remember that even western scientific ethics have semi-religious underpinnings. The Hippocratic Oath, which is the starting point of Western bioethics, is set of moral teachings from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates that were based on his religious beliefs. Because ethics are ultimately derived from moral convictions, it is important for people to continuously re-examine them for their relevancy before accepting them. For example, many modern medical ethicists question whether the Hippocratic comandment to do no harm to patients includes doctor assisted suicide and euthanasia, where the patient would suffer even more if he were to survive.

In other settings outside this class I have also encountered people who feel that creating an ethics statement is a waste of time and just a chore. I think such feelings are short sighted and that considering the ethics by which you perform something is a necessary exercise that enables you to introspect as to why you are researching what you are researching.

Although the teachings come from a different tradition than western research and biomedical ethics, I would argue Tina's seven teachings are still relevant. Consider respect for example.

1. Respect: To respect all human persons and all that was created.

It is similar to the principle of human dignity that is used in bioethics to jusitfy things like the duty not to cause harm to patients, or the duty to require consent from patients before treatment. In our case respect would include respecting the cultural traditions from which these communities come from, respecting their unique needs, not extracting information from people for the sole purpose of self-gain, etc. You respect them because they are humans just like you.

The other teachings are;

1. Love & Kindness: To love all our brothers and sisters and share with them. 

3. Responsibility & Bravery: To do things even in the difficult times.

4. Truth: Be true in everything that you do. Be true to yourself and true to your fellow man. Always speak the truth.

5. Holistic: Treating the whole community and not just the symptoms.

6. Humility: To teach us know that we are equal to everyone else; no better or no less.

7. Wisdom: Learn to help our people.

Try to think why these principles would be relevant to community research. If you do not agree with one of them, that is fine, just explain why. If you do agree, then explain that as well.

Sorry for such a long message, but I really do think this is important. I hope this answers more questions than it creates.