Chapter 2: Bioethics And Moral Theories Flashcards
Moral Theory
A theory to explain why an action is right or wrong or why a person’s character is good or bad
Theories of Right Action
1 of 2 types of moral theory: concentrates on rightness and wrongness of actions (rather than goodness or badness of character). Exps: Devine Command Theory & Utilitarianism.
a.k.a. Theories of Obligation/Duty
Virtue-Based Theories
1 of 2 types of moral theory: concentrates on goodness/badness of a person’s character (rather than rightness and wrongness of actions). Exp: Virtue Ethics.
Consequentialist Moral Theory
When rightness of actions is based solely on the results of the action
Stealing is wrong because it hurts more people than it helps
Nonconsequentialist Moral Theory (aka deontological)
When an action’s goodness/rightness is based on its intrinsic nature
Stealing is inherently wrong because stealing is wrong. Doesn’t matter how much anyone is hurt.
Utilitarianism
Type of consequentialist moral theory. The idea that right actions are the ones that result in the most good over bad for the most people.
Act Utilitarianism
Part of utilitarianism, which is the most prevalent consequentialist moral theory in bioethics.
Idea that rightness/goodness of actions is based SOLELY on the relative good produced by individual actions. Action is good if more good is done than bad.
Rule- Utilitarianism
Part of utilitarianism, which is the most prevalent consequentialist moral theory in bioethics.
The idea that right actions are the ones that conform to rules which guarantee proper balance between good/bad for the most people.
Kantian Ethics
Non-consequentialist moral theory; Type of Virtue Ethics
The idea that good/bad and right/wrong are based on rational, universally applicable standards expressed through Categorical Imperatives and Hypothetical Imperatives. Not based on desired or utility.
Categorical Imperatives (commands)
1 of 2 kinds of moral rules in Kantian Ethics.
Commands that apply regardless of circumstances, individual needs, or purposes.
Hypothetical Imperatives (commands)
1 of 2 kinds of moral rules in Kantian Ethics
Commands to act based on a desired outcome.
“The” Categorical Imperative
The grand daddy of Kantian categorical imperatives:
Moral acts are those that would still be moral if everybody and their mama started committing them.
Acts prohibited by “The” Categorical Imperative: killing the innocent, lying, suicide, failing to help others when you can, using people solely as a means to and end.
Categorical Imperatives
Commands to do something; Applies without exception.
1 of 2 Kantian Ethics imperatives/commands for morality
Hypothetical Imperatives
Commands to do something if you want to achieve a particular aim (i.e. work hard to earn a living).
1 of 2 Kantian Ethics imperatives/commands for morality
Doctrine of Double Effect
Construct of Natural Law Theory that addresses conflicting moral principles.
- A bad deed done for good reasons is still WRONG
- A good deed that causes bad results is kind of good if the bad result wasn’t intentional or predicted.
Natural Law Theory
Moral theory that derives moral standards by applying reason to laws observed in natures.
Involves idea that ‘right’ actions are those that conform to moral standards discerned in nature through human reason. Also the idea that natural inclinations will guide people to good acts/character. Has religious and secular versions but religious version is more prevalent.
Involves is:ought fallacy (how things are indicates how things should be)
Natural Law Theory:
Moral Principle Exps.
Absolute prohibition on lying, killing the innocent, using contraceptives, adultery, blasphemy, and sodomy.
Virtue Ethics
A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character.
Goal directed rather than rule guided (and the goal is to be a moral/virtuous person)
(The) Moral Virtues (Virtue Ethics)
Benevolence, honesty/trustworthyness, loyalty, compassion, fairness etc
Non-moral Virtues (Virtue Ethics)
Patience, prudence, reasonableness
Virtue Ethics
A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character.
Casuistry
Method of moral reasoning that emphasizes cases and analogy rather than universal principles and theories from which moral judgements are supposed to be deduced.
Non-moral Virtues
Patience, prudence, reasonableness
Feminist Ethics
Ethical approach involving aims to advance women’s’ interests/correct injustices.
Moral Criteria of Adequacy
Systematic approach to determining the validity of moral theories.
- Does the moral theory fit with/follow from the data?
- Does the moral theory fit with established knowledge/theories?
- Does the moral theory help us solve moral dilemmas?
