Chapter 2 Bioethics and Moral Theories

Question 1

Moral Theory

Answer 1

An explanation of why an action is right and wrong or why a person or a person’s character is good or bad

Question 2

Consequential Theory

Answer 2

A moral theory asserting that the rightness of actions depends solely on their consequences or results

Question 3

Deontological (Nonconsequentialist) Theory

Answer 3

A moral theory asserting that the rightness of actions is determined partly or entirely by their intrinsic nature

Question 4

Utilitarianism

Answer 4

The view that right actions are those that result in the most beneficial balance of good over bad consequences for everyone involved

Question 5

Act-utilitarianism

Answer 5

The view that the rightness of actions depends solely on the relative good produced by individuals actions

Question 6

Rule-utilitarianism

Answer 6

The view that a right action is one that conforms to a rule that, if followed consistently, would create for everyone involved the most beneficial balance of good over bad

Question 7

Principlism

Answer 7

A moral theory consisting of multiple moral principles that must be weighed and balanced against one another to determine right actions

Question 8

Natural Law Theory

Answer 8

The view that right actions are those that conform to moral standards discerned in nature through human reason

Question 9

Doctrine of double effect

Answer 9

The principle that performing a bad action to bring about a good effect is never morally acceptable, but performing a good action may sometimes be acceptable even if it produces a bad effect

Question 10

Contractarianism

Answer 10

Moral or political theories based on the idea of a social contract or agreement among individuals for mutual advantage

Question 11

Virtue ethics

Answer 11

A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character

Question 12

Ethics of Care

Answer 12

is a distinctive moral perspective that arose out of feminist concerns and grew to challenge core elements of most other moral theories

Question 13

Feminist Ethics

Answer 13

is an approach to morality aimed at rethinking ore revamping traditional ethics to eliminate aspects that devalue or ignore the moral experiences of women

Question 14

Casuistry

Answer 14

is a method of moral reasoning that emphasizes cases and analogy rather than moral judgments are supposed to be deduced