Week 2 Ethical Principles and Doctrines

Question 1

The ethical principle of beneficence is based on which ethical approach?

Answer 1

Deontology

Question 2

The ethical principle of non-maleficence is based on which ethical approach?

Answer 2

Utilitarianism

Question 3

Define “veracity”

Answer 3

To tell the truth

Question 4

Define “fidelity”

Answer 4

To keep your word and uphold duty of care. Loyalty, fairness, advocacy and dedication.

Question 5

List the four ethical principles

Answer 5

Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Autonomy
Justice

Question 6

What is the prima facie principle?

Answer 6

A term introduced by the English philosopher W D Ross, means that the principle is binding unless it conflicts with another moral principle - if it does we have to choose between them.

Question 7

What must one be “ought to do” to uphold the principle of beneficence?

Answer 7

One ought to prevent evil or harm.
One ought to remove evil or harm.
One ought to do or promote good.

Question 8

What are some acts of beneficence?

Answer 8

mercy, altruism, empathy, charity, kindness

Question 9

What are the rules of beneficence?

Answer 9

Promote and defend the rights of others
Remove harm occurring to others
Remove conditions that will cause harm to others
Help people with disabilities
Rescue a person in danger

Question 10

Define “specific beneficence”

Answer 10

Directed to specific parties such as children, friends and patients

Question 11

Define “general beneficence”

Answer 11

Goes beyond these relationships. This obligation is more controversial and can be demanding or generate philosophical debate

Question 12

Define “obligatory beneficence”

Answer 12

The obligation of health professionals to act for the benefit of others when in a position to do so.

Question 13

What does “Primum non nocere” mean?

Answer 13

First (or above all), do no harm

Question 14

Which ethical principle is primum non nocere associated with?

Answer 14

Non-Maleficence

Question 15

How is non-maleficence reflected in healthcare?

Answer 15

A person who is treated by a health practitioner should not be worse off as a result of their treatment than when they initially presented.

Question 16

What is the hippocratic oath?

Answer 16

It requires a new physician to swear upon a number of healing gods that he will uphold a number of professional ethical standards.

Question 17

What are some aspects of what constitute harm?

Answer 17

Harm may include injury, injustice or a violation of rights.
Harm to one person may not mean harm to another (each situation must be judged according to the circumstances.)
Harm may be physical, psychological or financial (or a combination of these).
Harm may be intentional or unintentional.

Question 18

What are some rules on non-maleficence?

Answer 18

Do not kill
Do not cause pain
Do not incapacitate
Do not cause offense
Do not deprive others of the goods of life

Question 19

Define “extraordinary care”

Answer 19

Extraordinary care is care whose provision involves a disproportionately great burden on the patient or community, and hence is not morally obligatory.

Question 20

What is ordinary care?

Answer 20

Offers hope of benefit without excessive pain expense and inconvenience

Question 21

What is the central difference between optional and obligatory treatment?

Answer 21

Obligatory is wrong to treat or not to treat, optional treat is not mandatory. Needs to be based on the analysis of quality of life.

Question 22

What is the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 22

When there are two effects of treatment- one good and one bad- but the good over rides the bad effect.

Question 23

Does intention matter when it comes to the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 23

Yes, intention of the act must be to do good- the bad effect, although foreseen is unintended

Question 24

What is medical futility?

Answer 24

Any treatment that, within a reasonable degree of medical certainty, is seen to be without benefit to the patient.

Question 25

When is allowing someone to die justified?

Answer 25

Treatment is futile.
Refusal of treatment by patient or surrogate.
No evidence of negligence or breach of duty to the patient.

Question 26

What is passive euthanasia?

Answer 26

withdrawing or withholding treatment and death is the result. Illegal unless patient refuses treatment.

Question 27

What are some arguments against euthanasia?

Answer 27

People in severe pain are not capable of making rational decisions.
May lead to involuntary euthanasia.
Minority groups may be disadvantaged.

Question 28

Define autonomy as a principle

Answer 28

Self governance
Liberty and rights; privacy; individual choice; being one’s own person; deciding and causing one’s own thoughts and behaviour.

That is, freedom of choice within legal, social and moral constraints