Bioethics

Question 1

Describe the viewpoint of a consequences based approach to bioethics.

Answer 1

Maximise the positive outcomes and minimise the negative effects.

Question 2

Describe the viewpoint of a duty based approach.

Answer 2

Argues that a set action should be followed as a result of someone’s responsibility regardless of the consequences.

Question 3

Describe the viewpoint of a virtues based approach.

Answer 3

Individual driven by their character, rather than any fundamental rules or consequences. The aim is to emphasise the moral nature of the individual and provide guidance as the behaviours a morally good person would hope to achieve.

Question 4

Describe the ethical concept of integrity.

Answer 4

the commitment to searching for knowledge and understanding and the honest reporting of all sources of information and communication of results, whether favourable or unfavourable, in ways that permit scrutiny and contribute to public knowledge and understanding.

Question 5

Describe the ethical concept of justice

Answer 5

The moral obligation to ensure that there is fair consideration of competing claims; that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action; and that there is fair distribution and access to the benefits of an action.

Question 6

Describe the ethical concept of beneficence.

Answer 6

Beneficence: the commitment to maximising benefits and minimising the risks and harms involved in taking a particular position or course of action.

Question 7

Describe the ethical concepts of non-maleficence

Answer 7

Non-maleficence: involves avoiding the causations of harm. However, as positions or courses of actions in scientific research may involve some degree of harm, the concept of non-maleficence implies that the harm resulting from any position or course of action should not be disproportionate to the benefits from any position or course of action.

Question 8

Describe the ethical concept of respect

Answer 8

Involves consideration of the extent to which living things have an intrinsic value and/or instrumental value; giving due regard to the welfare, liberty and autonomy, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of both the individual and the collective; consideration of the capacity of living things to make their own decisions; and when living things have diminished capacity to make their own decisions ensuring that they are empowered where possible and protected as necessary.