Chapter 1

Question 1

morality

Answer 1

is about people’s beliefs or practices concerning right and wrong

Question 2

ethics

Answer 2

the study of morality using the tools of philosophy

• what actions are morally right and wrong and why?
• what moral principles are justified and why?
• what theory about the nature of morality is correct?

Question 3

descriptive ethics

Answer 3

the study of morality using methodology of science

- what moral beliefs and practices do people have? what caused them to have these?

Question 4

applied ethics

Answer 4

the use of moral norms and concepts to resolve practical moral issues

Question 5

bioethics

Answer 5

applied ethics focused on health care, medical science, and medical technology

Question 6

four features of moral norms/principles

Answer 6

1. normative dominance
2. universality
3. impartiality
4. reasonableness

Question 7

what does ethics ask?

Answer 7

how OUGHT we to live and WHY (normative question)

Question 8

what does descriptive ethics ask

Answer 8

how DO we live and why (empirical/casual question)

Question 9

normative dominance

Answer 9

moral principles override other values

Question 10

universality

Answer 10

principles should be applied consistently in EVERY similar situation. If A is wrong because of feature F, then every other instance with F is wrong

Question 11

impartiality

Answer 11

treat everyone’s interests equally unless you have a good reason for treating them differently - avoid arbitrary treatment

Question 12

reasonableness

Answer 12

good moral judgments are backed by reasons. reasons should reflect relevant moral principles and facts

Question 13

argument

Answer 13

two or more statements (premises) that are offered to support another statement (conclusion)

Question 14

statements

Answer 14

can be true or false

Question 15

what do good arguments do

Answer 15

prove something whether or not they persuade

Question 16

valid arguments

Answer 16

if the premises are true then the conclusion must be true

Question 17

what are valid arguments with true premises called

Answer 17

sound

Question 18

what do moral arguments usually contain

Answer 18

1. one or more general moral principles or concepts
2. a factual statement about the circumstances
3. a conclusion presenting some moral judgment about what action is right/wrong or what person/motive is good or bad

Question 19

five principles in bioethics

Answer 19

1. autonomy
2. non-maleficence
3. beneficence
4. utility
5. justice

Question 20

autonomy

Answer 20

a person’s rational capacity for self-determination, the ability to direct one’s life and choose for oneself

Question 21

the principle of autonomy

Answer 21

autonomous persons should be allowed to exercise their capacity for self-determination

Question 22

what can restrict autonomy

Answer 22

harm principle, weak paternalism, strong paternalism

Question 23

non-maleficence

Answer 23

we should not intentionally or unintentionally inflict harm on others

Question 24

non-maleficence in bioethics

Answer 24

we should not cause unnecessary injury or harm to those under our care

Question 25

beneficence

Answer 25

we should promote the well-being of others and prevent or remove harm to them

Question 26

utility

Answer 26

we should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad FOR ALL CONCERNED

Question 27

utility is a ________ approach to balancing benefits and harms

Answer 27

cost-benefit | ex. immunization, emergency triage

Question 28

justice

Answer 28

people should receive what is fair

Question 29

retributive justice

Answer 29

answers the question of what is a fair punishment for wrong doing

Question 30

distributive justice

Answer 30

answer the question of what is the fair distribution of advantages (goods) and disadvantages (bads)

Question 31

libertarian

Answer 31

emphasizes personal freedom. Just distribution is whatever is the outcome of voluntary exchanges between private citizens

Question 32

egalitarian

Answer 32

all goods should be distributed equally

Question 33

mixed

Answer 33

the least well off should have their basic needs met

Question 34

absolute

Answer 34

apply without exceptions

Question 35

prima facie

Answer 35

applies in all cases unless other principle overrides it