Telling the Truth, and the Duty of Candour Flashcards
1
Q
Deontology vs utilitarianism on ends justifying means
A
- D = end does not justify means
- U = end does justify means
2
Q
What is the principle of utilitarianism?
A
- Maximise happiness for the most amount of people
- Whether an action is right or wrong depends on the outcome
3
Q
Advantages of utilitarianism
A
- Considered a form of distributive justice so can deal with the good of societies, not just individuals
- Flexible - specific for situation, not rigid rules
4
Q
Problems with utilitarianism
A
- Consequences difficult to predict
- People have no intrinsic value
- One person could be seen as more valuable than another, if they could cause more happiness
5
Q
Principles of deontology
A
- We are rational beings capable of reason
- We can decide our duties, and what actions are right/wrong
- Actions are right and wrong inherently - it is not about outcome
- We can generate a universal list of rules to always be ‘in the right’
6
Q
Advantages of deontology
A
- Accords human beings’ moral worth
- Places value on intention
- Offers certainty as doesn’t matter about outcome if action was right
7
Q
Disadvantages of deontology
A
- Too rigid
- Allows actions causing immense suffering in defence of principle
- Duties often conflict
8
Q
4 principles of medical ethics
A
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
- Autonomy
9
Q
What is Aristotle’s model, “virtue ethics”?
A
- Cultivating a moral character - ‘what would a good person do in this situation?’
- Often based around a mentor or role-model
10
Q
Advantages of virtue ethics
A
- Acknowledges complexity of decision-making
- Acknowledges influence from previous experiences
- Many people report they have role-models
- It is a developmental model - doesn’t expect us to be perfect
11
Q
Problems with virtue ethics
A
- Vague - doesn’t aid decision-making
- What is a virtue/who is virtuous?
- Centred solely around doctor - where does the patient fit in?
- Perfectionist as focuses on the “perfect doctor”
12
Q
Why would a utilitarian, deontologist, principalist, virtue or communitarianist tell the truth?
A
- U = if it increases happiness or diminishes suffering
- D = because it’s your duty
- P = because it enables autonomy
- V = because it’s what a good person would do
- C = because it allows us to trust each other
13
Q
Problems with a trust model
A
- How do you quantify trust?
- What if something increases trust but is detrimental to meeting social needs?
14
Q
Hugo Grotois’ idea of lying not being wrong
A
A lie is not a wrong if someone has no right to the truth
15
Q
3 kinds of deception
A
- Lies of commission
- Lies of omission
- Lies of embellishment
