Chapter 1 Flashcards
morality
is about people’s beliefs or practices concerning right and wrong
ethics
the study of morality using the tools of philosophy
- what actions are morally right and wrong and why?
- what moral principles are justified and why?
- what theory about the nature of morality is correct?
descriptive ethics
the study of morality using methodology of science
- what moral beliefs and practices do people have? what caused them to have these?
applied ethics
the use of moral norms and concepts to resolve practical moral issues
bioethics
applied ethics focused on health care, medical science, and medical technology
four features of moral norms/principles
- normative dominance
- universality
- impartiality
- reasonableness
what does ethics ask?
how OUGHT we to live and WHY (normative question)
what does descriptive ethics ask
how DO we live and why (empirical/casual question)
normative dominance
moral principles override other values
universality
principles should be applied consistently in EVERY similar situation. If A is wrong because of feature F, then every other instance with F is wrong
impartiality
treat everyone’s interests equally unless you have a good reason for treating them differently - avoid arbitrary treatment
reasonableness
good moral judgments are backed by reasons. reasons should reflect relevant moral principles and facts
argument
two or more statements (premises) that are offered to support another statement (conclusion)
statements
can be true or false
what do good arguments do
prove something whether or not they persuade
valid arguments
if the premises are true then the conclusion must be true
what are valid arguments with true premises called
sound
what do moral arguments usually contain
- one or more general moral principles or concepts
- a factual statement about the circumstances
- a conclusion presenting some moral judgment about what action is right/wrong or what person/motive is good or bad
five principles in bioethics
- autonomy
- non-maleficence
- beneficence
- utility
- justice
autonomy
a person’s rational capacity for self-determination, the ability to direct one’s life and choose for oneself
the principle of autonomy
autonomous persons should be allowed to exercise their capacity for self-determination
what can restrict autonomy
harm principle, weak paternalism, strong paternalism
non-maleficence
we should not intentionally or unintentionally inflict harm on others
non-maleficence in bioethics
we should not cause unnecessary injury or harm to those under our care
beneficence
we should promote the well-being of others and prevent or remove harm to them
utility
we should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad FOR ALL CONCERNED
utility is a ________ approach to balancing benefits and harms
cost-benefit
ex. immunization, emergency triage
justice
people should receive what is fair
retributive justice
answers the question of what is a fair punishment for wrong doing
distributive justice
answer the question of what is the fair distribution of advantages (goods) and disadvantages (bads)
libertarian
emphasizes personal freedom. Just distribution is whatever is the outcome of voluntary exchanges between private citizens
egalitarian
all goods should be distributed equally
mixed
the least well off should have their basic needs met
absolute
apply without exceptions
prima facie
applies in all cases unless other principle overrides it
