https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26426 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:34:39 GMT 2026-04-19T04:34:39Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145401 Title: Electronic tagging and tracking of dementia patients : ethical concerns Abstract: Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which affects millions of individuals worldwide. This disorder presents significant challenges for affected patients, and also for families, caregivers and healthcare systems. Patients suffering from this condition often experience disorientation and wandering behaviour, which could put them at risk of harm, injury, or death. Technological solutions in response to these risks include electronic tracking and tagging devices. These tools have been introduced in various institutions as potential solutions for safeguarding individuals affected by this disorder. Such devices while providing reassurance to caregivers and reduce logistical and safety concerns, they also raise pressing ethical questions regarding autonomy, dignity, privacy, human rights, and the potential for discrimination and stereotyping. This dissertation aims to identify various types of electronic tagging and tracking devices used internationally, and to examine critically the ethical implications of using electronic tagging and tracking devices in dementia care, in the context of Malta. This research aims to balance the evaluation of potential benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced caregiver burden, and practical management of wandering behaviour, against significant concerns, including infringement upon freedom of movement and privacy, threats to personal dignity, and the risk of stereotyping or discrimination. The key guiding questions include: Does tagging and tracking affect human rights, related to freedom of movement, personhood and human safety? What are the benefits and detriments of human electronic tagging and tracking? Would the use of electronic tagging and tracking of dementia sufferers help to increase their safety? With the use of electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia, would primary care givers and legal guardians feel more at ease when caring for these individuals and reassured should any issues arise? Would electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia be discriminatory towards these individuals? Would electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia bring about stereotyping of these individuals? To what extent would the use of human tagging and tracking be a viable solution to combat issues arising from wandering behaviour of the older person living with dementia? This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, relying primarily on secondary data sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, policy reports, legal documents, and case studies. The dissertation is organised into three substantive chapters. The first chapter identifies the types of electronic tagging and tracking devices, their applications and benefits, situating them within both Maltese and international contexts and illustrating real-world consequences of wandering behaviour. The second chapter addresses legal considerations, including informed consent in the context of diminished capacity, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The third chapter engages in sustained ethical analysis, critically examining autonomy, dignity, wellbeing, safety, and the risks of stereotyping and discrimination. The conclusion summarises key findings, acknowledges limitations, and identifies gaps for future research. By undertaking this critical and balanced analysis, the dissertation aims to contribute meaningfully to contemporary bioethical discourse on the integration of emerging technologies in healthcare, specifically within dementia care. It seeks to clarify whether electronic tagging and tracking can be justified as both a practical and ethical means of safeguarding vulnerable individuals with dementia, while simultaneously respecting their fundamental human rights. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145401 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132737 Title: Justice in the practice of medicine Abstract: It is contended in this dissertation that justice in the practice of medicine is a sequence of moral arguments that strive to improve the reasoning and activities with which the practice of medicine fulfils its primary aims. Through such a process, the medical profession seeks to define its scope of practice, whereas patients endeavour to gain the benefits of medical knowledge. This work seeks to establish principles that assist in exercising justice in the practice of medicine using the Maltese legal framework. In doing so, laws, circulars, and traditions of professional practices are interpreted in terms of moral reasoning. The role of the national professional body that determines the professional and ethical obligations of medical practitioners in Malta (the Medical Council) is used to exemplify how authority and power to deliver justice are granted by society through legislation. This work is important because it presents a novel perspective on arguments concerning the exercise of justice in medicine according to its practice using Maltese regulatory frameworks. It provides an opportunity to link principles and seek insights into the ethos and ontology of professions in general. By demonstrating principles that unite morality, tradition, virtue, and deontology through a framework of justice, the author concludes that medical practice can be carried out in a rational manner that allows medical practitioners to achieve their intended goals: the well-being and flourishing of patients. Such a framework involves charity and solidarity that provide a driving force for medical practitioners to practice medicine. A moral community of medical practitioners would unite behind such principles and decide on the respective goals they wish to pursue. Standards and practices for the profession are not static but a tradition that is rebranded according to the cultural and scientific advancements it adopts. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132737 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121656 Title: The identity and role of priests as spiritual fathers in contemporary western society Abstract: Nowhere do we find writings or sayings which imply that spiritual direction is a responsibility reserved only for priests. Being ordained does not automatically grant one the right to guide others. However, priests are often invited to serve as spiritual directors, expressing their identity as spiritual fathers through personal accompaniment. This dissertation delves into the concept of spiritual fatherhood within the priesthood, particularly in the context of spiritual direction. It examines the tradition of spiritual fatherhood and its relevance in today’s family and societal settings. The study aims to understand how contemporary experiences of fatherhood can influence the way Catholic priests approach spiritual companionship. This research acknowledges the ongoing debate around the notion of fatherhood, with terms like “fatherhood crisis” and “the inconsistency, fragility and evaporation of fatherhood” becoming increasingly prevalent. In what Pope Francis describes as an orphaned society, the author questions how fatherhood is perceived and what truly constitutes a father. The dissertation also examines the parallels between biological and spiritual fatherhood. Just as being a man does not automatically confer the gift of fatherhood, priests too must develop their paternal identity within their vocation. The author argues that priests, like biological fathers, have the choice to embrace or evade their responsibilities of fatherhood. By revisiting the analogy of spiritual fatherhood in the light of today’s cultural context, the study seeks to ascertain its applicability within the broad mission of priesthood. The ultimate goal is to inform and enhance the practice of spiritual direction, thereby fostering a deeper sense of spiritual companionship among priests. Description: M.A. Spirit. Comp.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121656 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121369 Title: Formative relationships in the thought and spirituality of Chiara Lubich Abstract: This study proposes Chiara Lubich’s thought and spirituality as a model to enhance relationships that form the person holistically in the spiritual, as well as the human dimension. The human person, created as ‘imago dei’ is destined to partake of the dynamic relationship of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The study traces how a deepening relationship with God who is Love, by living the Word, as the Holy Spirit suggests, is bound to love of neighbour and leads to relationships with others on the model of the Trinity – the perfect model of communion. Through a bibliographical (literature review) approach, the study traces the formation of Chiara Lubich’s spirituality together with other individuals, making it a spirituality of communion which by its nature, is relational. Lubich’s intuitions as to how to relate to others and be formed – fruit of a lived experience – are expounded in the work. The call to “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21), the hallmark of the Work of Mary or Focolare Movement is pivotal and can be a valid contribution to the contemporary Church in its journey, marked by synodality. The work studies how one can be formed to an openness to the other, by giving space to the other, to be able to freely make yourself one with the other, despite diversity, to the point of a reciprocal indwelling in the dynamic of love itself. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121369 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z