Introduction to medical ethics

Question 1

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 1

A form of consequentialism which states that the right action is that which brings about the maximum overall happiness

Question 2

What is a democratic approach?

Answer 2

A democratic approach – equal weight given to each individual when calculating overall happiness

Question 3

What are the problems with just thinking about consequences?

Answer 3

Certain actions are (almost) always wrong
Could justify heinous actions – ‘for the greater good’
Very difficult to be certain of the consequences
Irrelevant whether the decision maker is a good or bad person
Irrelevant whether a decision is unjust

Question 4

What do duty based (deontological) theories state?

Answer 4

certain actions are right or wrong in themselves irrespective of the consequences
doesn’t require prediction/calculation of consequences of an action

Question 5

What is a virtue?

Answer 5

character trait a human being needs to flourish or live well

Question 6

What is moral identity?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is moral imagination?

Answer 7

Recognition and sympathy for the suffering of others
Respect for others
N.B. it is an emotional response