Ethics 101

• Key ideas in Western moral philosophy

  • Deontology
  • Consequentialism
  • Utilitarianism
  • Virtue Ethics
• Deontological Ethics

  It is focused on what people do [duty] not the outcome.

  
  

  Some acts are right or wrong because of what they are. And so people have a duty to act good regardless of the consequences [Campbell 2005].

  
  

  Rational human beings should be treated as the end not a means to an end. [Kant 18th century]
• Consequentialism/Utilitarianism

  The goodness of an act depends on the results. [Bentham 18th Century].

  
  

  Utilitarianism is a form of results-based ethics.

  The most ethically right choice produces the most happiness and least happiness for the largest number of people.
• Virtue Ethics

  It is focused on the virtue or moral character of the person carrying out the action. And so is concerned with the whole of the person's life than certain actions [Plato and Aristotle 300 BC].

  
  

  A good person lives virtuously [Campbell 2019]. They must possess and live the five focal virtues:

  • Compassion
  • Discernment [Good judgement]
  • Trustworthiness
  • Integrity
  • Conscientiousness [Responsible]
• Who is associated with Deontology

  Kant 18th century
• Who is associated with consequentialism and utilitarianism

  Bentham [18th century] and Mill [19th century].
• Who is associated with virtue ethics

  Plato and Aristotle [300 BC].

  Anscombe [21st Century].
• When were the 4 ehtical principles agreed in medical practice and research

  1960
• What are the 4 priniples of biomedical ethics

  Non-maleficence

  Beneficence

  Autonomy

  Justice
• When did beauchamp and childress detail the principles of biomedical ethics

  1979
• What is non-maleficence

  Do not put people at risk of harm or harm them. And do not act against the patients interests.
• What principles does the hippocratic oath detail

  Beneficence as it says you must help the sick.

  Non-maleficence as it says you should not harm anyone.
• What is beneficence

  You should do good and act in the patients interests
• What is considered in beneficence

  You have to balance the benefits with the risks of treatment.
• What is the literal meaning of autnomy

  Self rule
• Describe autonomy

  You must respect the rights of the individuals decisions.

  This is related to informed consent and most not be coerced and must respect the individuals right to change their mind.
• Who wrote about the principles of biomedical ethics

  Beauchamp and childress
• What is justice

  The fair distribution of benefits, costs and risks.
• What principle is violated by favouring white people

  Justice
• What is the other name for the slippery slide/slope arguent

  The thin end of the wedge
• Describe the slippery slope argument

  It does not view decisions in isolation.

  The idea is that a harmless decision may result in unpredictable consequences.