[Trends and clinical need of ethical principles].

There exists in psychiatry an axiological pluralism. This means that there are, at least, two types of values involved in its exercise. Instrumental or technical values, on the one hand, related to the appropriate practice of the activity. On the other, hand, moral values, associated with the dignity of persons, the respect of their rights and the recognition of those duties inherent to every social interaction. Values of the first type must be considered fundamental. No good psychiatry can exist without being a skilled one. The technical imperative, involving knowledge, skills, abilities and timely intervention, is the first obligation of a professional. On it is based an important part of the respect society accords a group of experts. Without adequate understanding of moral values, however, any technical competence lacks human relevance. To respect persons, to act with beneficent intention, not doing harm and to consider justice and solidarity in actions are requisites of modern professions. From the integration between moral and technical values emerge principles that guide daily practice. If values are universal that provide meaning to acts, principles are norms, sometimes not explicit, permitting the prudent and socially valid performance of professional activities. Ethics is a reflection and the analysis about what belief, custom or tradition consider good or just. It deals with discovering, founding, explicating and applying principles to concrete situations. It should consider what is rational and