Ethics

Question 1

Define ethics

Answer 1

Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity

Question 2

Define morality

Answer 2

The right moral conduct or a moral system

Question 3

Define moral

Answer 3

Aspects reflecting the rightness or wrongness of an action

Question 4

Define ethical norms

Answer 4

Rules or behaviours to be complied with or used to evaluate or direct human conduct

Question 5

Name the 3 main theories or theoretical concepts

Answer 5

1) Deontological ethics
2) Consequential ethics
3) Virtue ethics

Question 6

Define deontological ethics

Answer 6

This is a duty-based theory
Your duty is more important than the outcomes, do not worry about the consequences of your decision
Humans should not sacrifice themselves

Question 7

Define technical imperatives

Answer 7

Relates to means for achieving a particular end
‘if you intend to arrive on time, then you should set off from home at 8:00am’

Question 8

Define assorted imperatives

Answer 8

Relate more generally shared human aspirations
‘if you wish to remain healthy then you should eat a balanced diet and take regular exercise’

Question 9

Define consequentialist ethics

Answer 9

Favouring action that will achieve the best possible consequences or result
it is not the nature of the action but its outcome that is most relevant
Selfless
Outcomes and maximising benefits

Question 10

Define virtue ethics

Answer 10

Referred to as being artistic (goodness, excellence or virtue)
Moral rightness or goodness of the individual
Virtues tend to be trustworthy, loyal, generous or helpful

Question 11

Name the 4 pillars of ethics

Answer 11

Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Respect for autonomy
Justice

Question 12

Define beneficence and non-maleficence

Answer 12

Acting in a way that benefits the patients
Need to consider intention, purpose and context
“do good if you possibly can, but above all do not harm”

Question 13

Define respect for autonomy

Answer 13

This is a capacity for self-government in the individual
Right to make ones own decision and pursue ones own actions in consideration of an ability to be open to reason and consider consequences as well

Question 14

Define ethical dilemma

Answer 14

Where a problem needs to be overcome or a difficult choice made using a process known as ethical decision making

Question 15

Define clinical pragmatism

Answer 15

Once all parties have identified and agreed what the clinical and directly related facts are about, attention shifts to the factors that reflect ethical disparities
Take account of the perspectives of the patient, family and members of the healthcare team

Question 16

Define ad hominem arguments

Answer 16

Normally an attack on a particular person and is intended to discredit what he or she says or does

Question 17

Define tu quoique arguments

Answer 17

Used to reduce or deflect the force of an argument that a person is making

Question 18

Define deductive reasoning

Answer 18

That is logically sound (conclusion follows)

Question 19

Define inductive reasoning

Answer 19

That is inferred (the conclusion is supported by not not entailed by its premise)

Question 20

Define fallacies

Answer 20

Logical mistakes in reasoning
Either deliberate or inadvertent

Question 21

Define the 4 stage approach

Answer 21

Gather relevant facts
Prioritise and ascribe values
Generate options
Choose an option