Ethics Flashcards
What is consequentialism?
Of all things a person might do at any given Moment, the morally right action is the one with the best overall consequences.
(Results based)
What is the strengths of consequentialism?
- Practical, flexible
- clear-simply reflect on consequences
Weaknesses of consequentialism
assessing all consequences of an action
No type of act is inherently wrong
What is deontology?
Judges morality based on adherence to rules. What people do is important not the consequences.
What to forms of philosophical ethics do we have?
Consequentialism
Deontology
What two principles make up consequentialism?
Right or wrong depends only on the results of the act.
The more good consequences, the better or more right the act is.
What criteria does an experiment must meet in order to be ethically approved?
- confidentiality and anonymity
- deception
- discomfort and harm
Informed consent
Non-participation and withdrawal
How can confidentiality and anonymity be met?
Do not use real names and use initials. If this cannot be met or guaranteed the participants must be informed
How can deception be met or avoided?
Deception can be used but have to debrief participants.
- cannot be done without strong scientific/medical justification
- or if likely to object or show unease once debriefed
- must tell them as early as possible
How can discomfort and harm be met?
Protection from physical and mental harm
The risk should be no greater than in everyday life
The participants should not be vulnerable
Avoid psychological and emotional distress
Debriefing must also be conducted
How can informed content be met?
Must be provided with purpose, duration and procedures
Must be told Risks, discomfort or benefits
Must be told if they will be anonymous and info is confidential
Provide incentives
Allow them to withdraw
Children must be given remission by parents or guardians
What are exceptions to informed consent?
Observational studies in a public place
Information in the public domain e.g internet
What must occur if informed consent is not possible?
If deception must take place (debrief asap)
- Debriefing must include information about purpose/results
- if deception of discomfort may have occurred
- the procedure problems
How can non-participation and withdrawal take place
-Participants can ask for their data.
-withdraw retrospectively
-data must be destroyed
-
How does internet research raise ethical concerns?
Informed consent can be breached
- particpants may not have properly read it.
- children and adults could be vulnerable and not fit for the experiment
- Chat rooms may cause some people to pose fake I.D
Particpants in Public forums informed consent is not required but private forums it is required.
Deception and debriefing:
- public not required
- if deception is involved particpants must be debriefed. but how?
Electronic debrief?
Telephone debrief?
