Chapter 2: Bioethics And Moral Theories

Question 1

Moral Theory

Answer 1

A theory to explain why an action is right or wrong or why a person’s character is good or bad

Question 2

Theories of Right Action

Answer 2

1 of 2 types of moral theory: concentrates on rightness and wrongness of actions (rather than goodness or badness of character). Exps: Devine Command Theory & Utilitarianism.

a.k.a. Theories of Obligation/Duty

Question 3

Virtue-Based Theories

Answer 3

1 of 2 types of moral theory: concentrates on goodness/badness of a person’s character (rather than rightness and wrongness of actions). Exp: Virtue Ethics.

Question 4

Consequentialist Moral Theory

Answer 4

When rightness of actions is based solely on the results of the action

Stealing is wrong because it hurts more people than it helps

Question 5

Nonconsequentialist Moral Theory (aka deontological)

Answer 5

When an action’s goodness/rightness is based on its intrinsic nature

Stealing is inherently wrong because stealing is wrong. Doesn’t matter how much anyone is hurt.

Question 6

Utilitarianism

Answer 6

Type of consequentialist moral theory. The idea that right actions are the ones that result in the most good over bad for the most people.

Question 7

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 7

Part of utilitarianism, which is the most prevalent consequentialist moral theory in bioethics.

Idea that rightness/goodness of actions is based SOLELY on the relative good produced by individual actions. Action is good if more good is done than bad.

Question 8

Rule- Utilitarianism

Answer 8

Part of utilitarianism, which is the most prevalent consequentialist moral theory in bioethics.

The idea that right actions are the ones that conform to rules which guarantee proper balance between good/bad for the most people.

Question 9

Kantian Ethics

Answer 9

Non-consequentialist moral theory; Type of Virtue Ethics

The idea that good/bad and right/wrong are based on rational, universally applicable standards expressed through Categorical Imperatives and Hypothetical Imperatives. Not based on desired or utility.

Question 10

Categorical Imperatives (commands)

Answer 10

1 of 2 kinds of moral rules in Kantian Ethics.

Commands that apply regardless of circumstances, individual needs, or purposes.

Question 11

Hypothetical Imperatives (commands)

Answer 11

1 of 2 kinds of moral rules in Kantian Ethics

Commands to act based on a desired outcome.

Question 12

“The” Categorical Imperative

Answer 12

The grand daddy of Kantian categorical imperatives:

Moral acts are those that would still be moral if everybody and their mama started committing them.

Acts prohibited by “The” Categorical Imperative: killing the innocent, lying, suicide, failing to help others when you can, using people solely as a means to and end.

Question 13

Categorical Imperatives

Answer 13

Commands to do something; Applies without exception.

1 of 2 Kantian Ethics imperatives/commands for morality

Question 14

Hypothetical Imperatives

Answer 14

Commands to do something if you want to achieve a particular aim (i.e. work hard to earn a living).

1 of 2 Kantian Ethics imperatives/commands for morality

Question 15

Doctrine of Double Effect

Answer 15

Construct of Natural Law Theory that addresses conflicting moral principles.

1. A bad deed done for good reasons is still WRONG
2. A good deed that causes bad results is kind of good if the bad result wasn’t intentional or predicted.

Question 16

Natural Law Theory

Answer 16

Moral theory that derives moral standards by applying reason to laws observed in natures.

Involves idea that ‘right’ actions are those that conform to moral standards discerned in nature through human reason. Also the idea that natural inclinations will guide people to good acts/character. Has religious and secular versions but religious version is more prevalent.

Involves is:ought fallacy (how things are indicates how things should be)

Question 17

Natural Law Theory:

Moral Principle Exps.

Answer 17

Absolute prohibition on lying, killing the innocent, using contraceptives, adultery, blasphemy, and sodomy.

Question 18

Virtue Ethics

Answer 18

A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character.

Goal directed rather than rule guided (and the goal is to be a moral/virtuous person)

Question 19

(The) Moral Virtues (Virtue Ethics)

Answer 19

Benevolence, honesty/trustworthyness, loyalty, compassion, fairness etc

Question 20

Non-moral Virtues (Virtue Ethics)

Answer 20

Patience, prudence, reasonableness

Question 21

Virtue Ethics

Answer 21

A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character.

Question 22

Casuistry

Answer 22

Method of moral reasoning that emphasizes cases and analogy rather than universal principles and theories from which moral judgements are supposed to be deduced.

Question 23

Non-moral Virtues

Answer 23

Patience, prudence, reasonableness

Question 24

Feminist Ethics

Answer 24

Ethical approach involving aims to advance women’s’ interests/correct injustices.

Question 25

Moral Criteria of Adequacy

Answer 25

Systematic approach to determining the validity of moral theories.

1. Does the moral theory fit with/follow from the data?
2. Does the moral theory fit with established knowledge/theories?
3. Does the moral theory help us solve moral dilemmas?