Lecture 11 Flashcards
What is theoretical bioethics?
It is the study of ethical principles, theories, and frameworks used to analyze and guide decisions in medical and biological contexts
How is bioethics defined in Merriam-Webster?
“The discipline dealing with the ethical implications of biological research and applications, especially in medicine.”
What are common features of bioethical dilemmas?
Good arguments exist on both sides.
Outcomes depend heavily on complex or disputed scientific evidence.
Decisions often involve society at large, not just individuals.
Scientific consensus may conflict with public opinion
Why is it difficult to apply a single ethical theory to bioethical problems?
Because real-world issues are complex, context-specific, and involve multiple stakeholders with diverse values
How can multiple ethical theories lead to similar ethical conclusions?
Despite different reasoning paths, they may share core values like fairness, non-harm, and respect for autonomy
What is the value of classical ethical theories in modern bioethics?
They offer timeless frameworks but often need adaptation for contemporary issues like biotechnology and AI
What is “common morality”?
Shared, basic ethical standards generally accepted by society, such as honesty, fairness, and compassion
What are the conditions for evaluating ethical arguments?
- Factual accuracy
- Logical coherence
- Consistency with moral norms
What is the Helsinki Declaration (1964)?
A global ethical guideline stating that the interests of science must never override the well-being of research subjects
What is the Belmont Report (1979)?
A foundational document in U.S. bioethics establishing core principles for ethical research with human participants
What are the three principles of the Belmont Report?
Respect for Persons: Autonomy and protection for those with diminished autonomy
Beneficence: Maximize benefits and minimize harm
Justice: Fair distribution of benefits and burdens in research
What does “Respect for Persons” involve?
Treating individuals as autonomous agents.
Providing extra protections for vulnerable populations
What is beneficence in medical ethics?
The duty to actively promote the well-being of others (e.g., providing effective treatment)
What is non-maleficence?
“Do no harm”—avoiding actions that cause unnecessary suffering or injury
What is the principle of justice in bioethics?
Ensuring fairness in distributing healthcare resources and selecting research subjects
What are the five core principles in contemporary medical ethics?
- Non-maleficence
- Beneficence
- Autonomy
- Dignity
- Justice
What is autonomy in medical ethics?
The right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own medical care
What role does truthfulness play in autonomy?
It supports informed consent, allowing patients to make choices based on accurate information
What is distributive justice?
The fair and equitable allocation of limited healthcare resources across populations
What criteria can be used to distribute healthcare resources?
Need, merit, effort, equality, market value, or random selection (e.g., lottery)
What is John Rawls’ “Theory of Justice as Fairness”?
An egalitarian theory suggesting fair decisions are those made without knowing one’s social status—behind a “veil of ignorance.”
What is the “veil of ignorance”?
A thought experiment where decision-makers imagine they could be anyone in society, to ensure fairness and impartiality
What is Rawls’ Principle of Equal Liberties?
Each person should have equal basic freedoms as long as others have the same freedoms
What is Rawls’ Difference Principle?
Inequalities are only justified if they benefit the least advantaged members of society
Why is Rawls’ theory important in bioethics?
It combines ideas from deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and contractarianism, making it broadly applicable
What is a dilemma in ethics?
A situation with no clear right or wrong answer—often requiring trade-offs between principles
What are key goals of modern medical bioethics?
- Providing a decision-making framework
- Protecting patient rights
- Guiding ethical research and healthcare policy
