Ethics - Introduction/Autonomy Flashcards
1
Q
What is ethics?
A
- Deciding what we should do
- Find reasons for and against
2
Q
Describe the ethical tree
A
- Consequences (a decision is right if it brings the best consequences)
- Duty
- Virtue (the kind of person you want to be)
3
Q
What is utilitarianism?
A
- A form of consequentialism (considering consequences) which states that the right action is that which brings about the maximum overall happiness.
- All other things being equal, saves the most lives or reduces suffering in the most people.
4
Q
What is a democratic approach to consequences?
A
Equal weight given to each individual when calculating overall happiness
5
Q
List the problems with just thinking about concequences
A
- Some actions are (almost) always wrong
- Very difficult to be certain of consequences
- Could justify heinous actions (for the greater good)
- Irrelevant if the decision maker is a bad person
- Irrelevant whether a decision is unjust
6
Q
What are duty based theories?
A
- Dentological
- Certain actions are right or wrong irrespective of the consequences
- Eg. duty to not kill or torture, duty to tell the truth
- This is simple, as it doesnt require prediction or calculation of consequences
7
Q
What are the issues with duty?
A
- How do you decide what is right or wrong?
- What if moral duties conflict?
- Absolves the individual from moral responsibility for the consequences, even if the consequences are very bad
8
Q
What is virtue ethics?
A
- A virtue is a character trait a human being needs to flourish or live well
- The best life of a human being consists in the exercise of the virtues e.g. honesty, integrity, wisdom, courage, fairness, compassion
- Virtues can be nurtured and developed
- The right course of action is the course that a virtuous individual would take
- You should not lie, as an honest person would not lie
9
Q
What is moral identity?
A
- A sense of the kind of person you want to be
- An individual’s own moral compass
- Nurtured through reflection on moral dilemmas and lived experiences
10
Q
What is moral imagination?
A
- Recognition and sympathy for the suffering of others
- Respect for others
11
Q
Define autonomy
A
- Deciding the direction in which your life should go
- Being free to make your own choices in life
12
Q
What are the two aspects important in autonomy?
A
- Instrumental value (we know ourselves better)
- Intrinsic value (it is our own life)
- Intrinsic value is more important - a fundamental aspect of being human
13
Q
Why is intrinsic value of autonomy important?
A
As without free will we do not have moral responsibility
14
Q
Why may patients make bad health choices?
A
- The bad health choice may be in their best interest
- Even if they are wrong about something being in their best interest, they should be able to choose what is done to their body
15
Q
Why is bodily autonomy different?
A
- In healthcare, choices will have a direct impact on the individuals body
- We usually choose how to conduct our lives
