chapter 1 - boiethics Flashcards
ethics
a field of knowledge where individuals exercise moral judgement and determine what is right and wrong
applied ethics
the application of ethical theories to real life moral problems and contexts
bioethics
the study of ethical issues within the field of biology and medicine
bioethical issues
an ethical dilemma relating to biology
that typically involves a decision–making process between two or more choices or options for an
action
- deciding between alternative choices of causes of action
- influenced by external factors such as social and political factors
- involves conflicting views, values and opinions.
bioethical approach
a decision making framework that helps guide ethical behaviour
consequence based approach
places central importance on the consideration for the consequences for an action.
- the aim of this approach is to maximise the benefits and minimise negative results
duty or rule based approach
places central importance on the idea that people have a duty to act in a certain way
- the aim is to follow set rules and responsibilities regardless of the consequences
virtue based bioethical approach
places central importance on individuals being driven by their moral character
- the aim is to emphasise the moral nature of the individual, focussing on what a good person would do
bioethical concept - integrity
the commitment to searching for knowledge while acting honestly and truthfully, prioritising an accurate understanding and representation of facts whether they are favourable or unfavourable and allows for public scrutiny.
bioethical concept - justice
the commitment to fairness and consideration to other people different opinions and positions
- it prioritises fair distribution resources and equal access to all benefits
non-maleficence
the commitment to minimising the causation harm and detrimental consequences
- it prioritises that although some harm may be caused, it should not be disproportionate.
beneficence
the commitment to maximising benefits when taking a certain action
- it prioritises individuals acting in a way that benefits others.
respect
the commitment to the consideration and acknowledgment of the intrinsic value of living things.
- it prioritises the beliefs, customs and cultural heritage of those involved
CRISPR cas-9 in gene editing ethical implications
- Crispr is not entirely accurate: the risk of off target cleavages or edits on the wrong place. This could lead to long term consequences.
- to successfully alter the genome of an organism, the embryo must be treated prior to it differentiating to ensure that every cell is altered. germline editing means the alterations will be passed on through generations
- informed consent - scientists cannot get consent from an embryo
- equity of access: there are concerns that only wealthy people will be able to afford the use of CRISPR to treat genetic conditions
CRISPR cas-9 - integrity
upheld
- risks acknowledged, allowing for public scrutiny
- honesty about the fact the the trial is in its early stages and needs more trials before it is complete
- there is commitment to research ways of curing other diseases
CRISPR cas-9 - justice
Upholding justice
- there is some commitment to researching ways of improving equity of access due to costs
- the is commitment to researching ways of improving all diseases.
not upholding justice
- limited access due to costs
- limited global access due to SES
- to uphold justice, the technologies would need to be used tested on for all rear diseases to ensure fair distribution regardless of the disease
CRISPR cas-9 - non-maleficence
upholding non-maleficence
- precision minimises harm to the genome as only targeted genes will be affected
- the use of CRISPR to correct mutations minimises the harm caused by the disease itself
- closely monitoring adverse affects to minimise harm
not upholding non-maleficence
- there is potential for off-target mutations that could cause harm to the genome, leading to unforeseen consequences
- especially if performed on totipotent cells because the mutations would be widespread
- expensive: those that cannot afford it will continue to have diseases that are causing them harm.
CRISPR cas-9 - beneficence
upheld
- life saving treatment that improves quality of life
- commitment to research promotes benefits for future generations
- only particular diseases benefit from it
not upheld
- cost barrier prevents some from benefiting form the treatment
- can cause harm
CRISPR cas-9 - respect
upheld
- informed consent
- germline editing - passed to future generations
not upheld
- a lack of transparency can mean individuals are not able to make informed decisions - patient autonomy
consequence based approach
for - minimises harm
against - can cause harm
virtues based approach
for - a moral virtuous person might be driven by compassion and care for others, leading them to want to minimise any suffering. Using CRISPR would help to alleviate these issues.
against - an individual might be driven by moral where that value the natural processes of life. Therefore using CRISPR to eliminate genes is seen to violate this virtue.
duty based
for - duty to alleviate suffering. Crispr can do this
against - there is a duty to prioritise safety of those involves. Therfore using CRISPR would go against this as there is a pootential for harm.
