chapter 1 - boiethics

Question 1

ethics

Answer 1

a field of knowledge where individuals exercise moral judgement and determine what is right and wrong

Question 2

applied ethics

Answer 2

the application of ethical theories to real life moral problems and contexts

Question 3

bioethics

Answer 3

the study of ethical issues within the field of biology and medicine

Question 4

bioethical issues

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

bioethical approach

Answer 5

a decision making framework that helps guide ethical behaviour

Question 6

consequence based approach

Answer 6

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

Question 7

duty or rule based approach

Answer 7

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

Question 8

virtue based bioethical approach

Answer 8

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

Question 9

bioethical concept - integrity

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

bioethical concept - justice

Answer 10

the commitment to fairness and consideration to other people different opinions and positions
- it prioritises fair distribution resources and equal access to all benefits

Question 11

non-maleficence

Answer 11

the commitment to minimising the causation harm and detrimental consequences
- it prioritises that although some harm may be caused, it should not be disproportionate.

Question 12

beneficence

Answer 12

the commitment to maximising benefits when taking a certain action
- it prioritises individuals acting in a way that benefits others.

Question 13

respect

Answer 13

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

Question 14

CRISPR cas-9 in gene editing ethical implications

Answer 14

• 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

Question 15

CRISPR cas-9 - integrity

Answer 15

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

Question 16

CRISPR cas-9 - justice

Answer 16

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

Question 17

CRISPR cas-9 - non-maleficence

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

CRISPR cas-9 - beneficence

Answer 18

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

Question 19

CRISPR cas-9 - respect

Answer 19

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

Question 20

consequence based approach

Answer 20

for - minimises harm
against - can cause harm

Question 21

virtues based approach

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

duty based

Answer 22

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.