Ethical dilemmas in biomedical science

Question 1

What is the golden triad of moral philosophy?

Answer 1

What is the golden triad of moral philosophy

Question 2

What can we use to analyse ethical scenarios?

Answer 2

Principles or theories (eg consequentialism) or methods such as ‘four principles’ approach, ethical grid.

 Note that there are multiple theoretical approaches and models just as there may be multiple treatment options in clinical practice
 Some may be more relevant - depends on the question
 A sound knowledge, thorough consideration and inclusive application of multiple perspectives allows for thorough analysis of the problem and challenging of assumptions

Question 3

Is randomness a method?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

What is the ‘four principles approach’?

Answer 4

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Question 5

What is the ethical grid?

Answer 5

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Question 6

Define process

Answer 6

Arguably, the process of doing ethics is as important as the ethical conclusions drawn (esp. for virtue ethicists!)
What is this thing called “process”?
….listening, asking questions, critical reflection, deliberately ‘thinking the opposite’, using intuition and emotion, being alert to logic ….etc.
So don’t get too lost in the theory, think also about the way in which you conduct the analysis.

Question 7

What is the law? What are the basic distinctions in UK law?

Answer 7

	What is the law? 
	“the principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of legislation or customs or policies which is recognized and enforced by judicial decision” 
	Basic distinctions in (UK) law:
	Statute v Common Law
	Criminal v Civil Law

Question 8

What is professionalism?

Answer 8

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Question 9

Why does ethical analysis matter?

Answer 9

It is morally important to behave ethically
Maintains reputation & accountability
Teams function more effectively & inclusively
Enhances productivity, efficiency & morale
Professional regulatory bodies require their members to behave professionally and ethically
The law reflects ethical values and often requires scientists to abide by professional and ethical guidance

Question 10

Describe the challenges of ‘doing ethics’

Answer 10

Limited resources e.g. time, expertise, staff, accountable sources of advice and variable quality
Integrating ethics into scientific practice so it becomes automatic in decision-making rather than settling for ‘moral mediocrity’
Constructing ethics as ‘hoop jumping’, ‘common sense’, ‘yet more rules’ or ‘irrelevant