Bioethics and Issues

Question 1

List the main ethical approaches

Answer 1

Consequences based approach
Duty and rules-based approach
Virtues-based approach

Question 2

Explain the Consequences based approach

Answer 2

It is determining the right action regarding the best overall consequences or outcome. Which action causes the best outcome and the least harm?

Question 3

Explain a Duty and rules-based approach

Answer 3

Some actions are right or wrong depending on their nature. People must follow moral rules (duties) and choose the right action even if it has negative consequences. What action is morally right regardless of the consequences?

Question 4

Explain a Virtues-based approach

Answer 4

Be a good person who strives to practice virtues and lead a morally good life. Practicing honesty, courage, compassion and fairness will lead to a good life. What action would a good person choose?

Question 5

List the main Ethical concepts

Answer 5

Integrity
Justice
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Respect

Question 6

Explain Integrity

Answer 6

Doing the right thing even when no one is looking

Question 7

Explain Justice

Answer 7

People get what they deserve

Question 8

Explain Beneficence

Answer 8

Doing good to others

Question 9

Explain Non-maleficence

Answer 9

Doing no harm

Question 10

Explain Respect

Answer 10

Honouring someone’s feelings, needs or decisions

Question 11

What are the bioethical issues of Gene cloning?

Answer 11

Gene cloning could lead to major medical advancements and save lives, making it ethically justifiable. However, if it causes health issues, high costs, or societal problems, it may be deemed unethical.

In Australia, laws emphasize individual rights and autonomy. Cloning raises consent issues, particularly in human reproductive cloning, where the cloned individual has no say in their creation.

Virtue ethics highlights humility and respect for nature. Cloning may overstep natural boundaries, challenging humility. In Australia, where cultural and Indigenous beliefs stress harmony with nature, cloning could violate this principle.

Question 12

What are the bioethical issues of GMOs?/ What are the bioethical issues of using GMOs in agriculture to increase crop yield and provide resistance to disease and insect predation?

Answer 12

GMOs can boost crop yields and pest resistance, potentially improving food security and reducing hunger. However, concerns about health risks and environmental impacts, like cross-contamination and biodiversity loss, persist. Ethically, failing to label GMOs undermines consumers’ rights to make informed choices.

Consumers need to make informed choices about GMOs. In Australia, GMO labelling is regulated to ensure transparency and uphold consumer rights. Not labelling GMOs is unethical, as it restricts informed decision-making.

Virtue ethics emphasizes respect for the environment, particularly in Australia’s diverse ecosystems and Indigenous heritage. GMOs that harm the environment or displace native species may be deemed unethical.