Lecture 3 Flashcards
What is a worldview?
a set of beliefs, assumptions, and values through which an individual or group interprets and understands the world
Why is it important to understand worldviews in bioethics?
Because they influence how individuals assess ethical dilemmas and determine what is morally right or wrong
How do worldviews affect ethical decision-making?
They shape perceptions of human nature, morality, science, nature, and the value of life, which in turn influence ethical judgments
What are the two main categories of hindrances to ethical thinking?
Hindrances due to how we think (psychological bias).
Hindrances due to what we think (philosophical beliefs/worldviews).
What are examples of psychological hindrances to ethical reasoning?
Peer pressure
Self-interest
Confirmation bias
Groupthink
Fear or self-preservation
What are examples of worldview-based hindrances?
Subjective relativism
Moral/social relativism
Philosophical skepticism
What is subjective relativism?
The idea that moral truth is determined by individual beliefs
What is moral/social relativism?
The idea that moral truth is relative to societal norms and beliefs
What is philosophical skepticism?
The belief that we cannot truly know what is morally right or wrong.
What are the four primary worldviews described in this lecture?
Traditional
Modern
Postmodern
Integrative
How does the traditional worldview define reality and knowledge?
- Theistic and dualistic (belief in a transcendent God)
- Truth from scripture, tradition, and religious authority
What values are associated with the traditional worldview?
- solidarity
- discipline
- faith
- conformity
- law and order
- social roles
How does the modern worldview define reality and knowledge?
Materialistic and mechanistic
Truth from empirical science, logic, and reason
What values are associated with the modern worldview?
- individualism
- achievement
- success
- progress
- rationality
How does the postmodern worldview define reality and knowledge?
- Relativistic and pluralistic
- Truth from subjective and qualitative sources (e.g., art, personal narratives)
What values are associated with the postmodern worldview?
- diversity
- authenticity
- imagination
- environmentalism
- social justice
How does the integrative worldview define reality and knowledge?
- Holistic and spiritual-evolutionary
- Truth through integration of science, spirituality, and multiple ways of knowing
What values are associated with the integrative worldview?
- self-actualization
- wisdom
- universalism
- compassion
- interconnectedness
What is anthropocentrism?
The belief that humans are the most significant species on Earth and deserve special ethical consideration
What is biocentrism?
The belief that all living organisms deserve moral consideration and ethical standing
What is ecocentrism?
The belief that entire ecosystems, not just individuals or species, have intrinsic moral value
How can worldview influence environmental bioethics?
A traditional or anthropocentric worldview may prioritize human needs, while biocentric or ecocentric views prioritize the well-being of non-human life and nature
What is the relationship between worldview and cultural change?
Changes in societal worldviews often lead to shifts in ethical norms and values (e.g., from religious to secular ethics)
Why must bioethicists be aware of their own worldview?
To avoid unintentional bias and to critically evaluate ethical issues with an open and inclusive perspective
How do worldviews contribute to disagreements in bioethics?
Different worldviews can lead to fundamentally different interpretations of what is ethical, moral, or just
What does it mean to have an interdependent self (integrative worldview)?
It means viewing the self as connected to others, communities, and ecosystems, rather than as isolated and independent
Why is it difficult to reach ethical consensus in a pluralistic society?
Because individuals may base their ethical reasoning on conflicting worldviews and value systems
