Introduction to Ethics

Question 1

What are the 5 main ethical theories?

Answer 1

1) Virtue
2) Utilitarianism
3) Imperative
4) Categorical
5) 4 principles

Question 2

What is the definition of ethics?

Answer 2

A system of moral principles and a branch of philosophy that defines what is good for individuals and society.

Question 3

Definition of morality?

Answer 3

Concern with dinstiction between right and wrong

Question 4

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 4

1) Maximise good and minimise harm

2) Act solely evaluated by terms of econsequences

Question 5

Disadvantages(3) of Utilitarianism?

Answer 5

• Treats minorities unfairly to promote happiness of a majority.
• Is it okay to carry out ethically questionable research to maximise the welfare of society?
• What is good/better?

Question 6

Main principles of virtue ethics? (4)

Answer 6

1) Integrates reason and emotion
2) Virtues are acquired
3) Action virtuous only if person acting with intention of doing right
4) Focuses on person acting

Question 7

Disadvantages(4) of Virtue ethics?

Answer 7

1) Virtues specific to culture
2) Too broad for practical application
3) Not always clear how to resolve dilemmas with it
4) Kindness and compassion could lead to lying

Question 8

4 medical principles of ethics?

Answer 8

1) Non-maleficence
2) Beneficence
3) Autonomy
4) Justice

Question 9

What does the GMC say are the 5 main ‘duties of a doctor’?

Answer 9

1. Protect and promote health.
2. Provide a good standard of care.
3. Recognise and work within the limits of your competence.
4. Work with colleagues in a way to best serve your patients.
5. Treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity.

Question 10

What is consequentialism (utilitarian) ethics?

Answer 10

Act evaluated in terms of consequence and act to maximise good.

Question 11

Three disadvantages of consequentalism?

Answer 11

1) Minority treated unfairly to benefit majority
2) Determining if consequence good might be subjective
3) Questionable if should carry out ethically uncertain research to maximise society’s welfare

Question 12

Define deontology

“Junior School Golden school”

Answer 12

Features of an act determines worthiness
“Do to others as you would have them do to you”
(Acts R/W and people have to act as accordingly)

Question 13

Disadvantage of Deontology?

Answer 13

Consequences aren’t looked at, and duties can conflict

Question 14

What are Categorical imperatives? (Version of deontology)

Answer 14

Rule that is true in all circumstances

Act in a way that would be willing for it to be made a universal law

Question 15

Define virtue ethics

Answer 15

Focuses on character of person, with reason and emotion.

Only virtuous if person has right mind set, and virtues are acquired

Question 16

5 focal virtues?

Answer 16

1. Discernment.
2. Conscientiousness.
3. Compassion.
4. Trustworthiness.
5. Integrity.

Question 17

Define all 5 virtues

Answer 17

1) D: Judge well
2) Consc: Thorough, careful and vigilant
3) Comp: Concern for others
4) T: Be relied on and trusted
5) I: Honest and good moral principles

Question 18

Disadvantages of virtue ethics?

Answer 18

1) Don’t focus on consequences
2) Culture specific and too broad
3) Not always clear how to solve dilemma with it

Question 19

Define capacity?

Answer 19

Patient’s ability to make a decision

Question 20

What are the 4 questions that should be asked when assessing capacity?

Answer 20

1. Does the patient understand?
2. Can the patient retain the information?
3. Can they use the information to weigh up options and make a decision?
4. Can they communicate their decision?