Introducing Medical Ethics and Professionalism Flashcards
What are the three types of Moral Theory?
Consequentalism
Duty-based ethics (Deontology)
Virtue ethics
What is “consequentialism”?
Where the morally right action is the one that achieves the best outcomes overall
What is “duty based ethics” or “deontology”
Whereby acts are morally right if they accord with moral rules / duties, even if it may lead to a worse consequence overall
What is “Virtue ethics”
Whereby the right action is the one a virtuous person would perform in these circumstances
What are the four key principles to Moral Theorising
Beneficience
Non-Maleficence
Justice
Autonomy
Define what is meant by demonstrating “Respect for Autonomy”
A self rule which involves some degree of rationality and justification. We respect a patient’s right to make informed and voluntary choices about what happens to them
Define what is meant by “Non-Maleficence”
We should not act in ways that harm a patient
Define what is meant by “Beneficence”
We should act in ways to positively benefit patients
Define what is meant by “Justice”
Treating people with fairness and equity
Do any of the four principles of Autonomy, Beneficence, Justice, or Non-Maleficence have a higher authority?
No, they are all equally as important as each other
