Chapter 2: Bioethics And Moral Theories

Question 1

What is consequentialist theory?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What are contractarianist theories?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is deontological (or nonconsequentialist) theory?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 4

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 5

What is a moral theory?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is natural law theory?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is rule-utilitarianism?

Answer 7

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 8

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What is the theory of virtue ethics?

Answer 9

A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character

Question 10

What is act-utilitarianism?

Answer 10

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