bioethics

Question 1

consequence-based approach

Answer 1

• places central importance on the consideration of the consequences of an action (the ends), with the aim to achieve maximisation of positive outcomes and minimisation of negative effects.
• This is looking to maximise the positive outcomes, and minimise the negative outcomes, with less regard to the actions taken to get there.

Question 2

duty/rule based approach

Answer 2

• concerned with how people act (the means)
• places central importance on the idea that people have a duty to act in a particular way, and that certain ethical rules must be followed, regardless of the consequences that may be produced.
• This is focused on a system of laws/beliefs/duties that cannot be broken

Question 3

virtues based approach

Answer 3

• person-based rather than action-based.
• Consideration is given to the virtue or moral character of the person carrying out the action, providing guidance about the characteristics and behaviours a good person would seek to achieve to then be able to act in the right way.
• making decisions on one’s own moral compass, regardless of harms caused
• the ‘goodness’ of an action.
  E.g. Being honest is inherently good, regardless of whether it causes you to break a rule, or cause some harm.

Question 4

integrity

Answer 4

• the commitment to searching for knowledge and understanding
• 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.
• data and evidence

Question 5

justice

Answer 5

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

Question 6

beneficience

Answer 6

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

Question 7

non-maleficence

Answer 7

• involves avoiding the causations of harm
• 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

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
• when living things have diminished capacity to make their own decisions ensuring that they are empowered where possible and protected as necessary.