ethics

Question 1

What are ethics?

Answer 1

The discipline of dealing with what is good and bad, with moral duty.

Question 2

Explain deontology

Answer 2

Right and wrong can be found in the action itself

Question 3

Explain Virtue Ethics

Answer 3

Virtue is the middle ground between the two extremes

Unconcerned for individual actions

The idea: create good people and they will have good actions

Question 4

what is the Contractarian view

Answer 4

‘morality based on agreement’

ethical obligation results in contracts between people

each of us have a view and have the right to follow that

animals can’t make contracts or agreements but they matter to people, giving us an indirect obligation to them

Question 5

what is the utilitarian view

Answer 5

‘morality is about maximising human and animal wellbeing

the greatest good for the greatest number

animals deserve welfare consideration

Activities which have an adverse impact on the well-being of animals may be justified if they lead to a net increase in welfare (for humans or other animals)

Question 6

what is the relational view?

Answer 6

recognises the importance of relationships between individuals

we have more of a responsibility for domestic animals as we have a closer relationship to them

there this ethical view says we have no duty towards vermin

Question 7

what is the animal rights view?

Answer 7

contrasts to the utilitarian view

good results for the greatest number of people does not justify inhumane treatment of animals

animals have rights just like human rights

Question 8

what is the respect for nature view?

Answer 8

we should respect not only animals but all species

when species become extinct the issue is not that there are less resources but the fact the species itself is lost

we should not interfere with the natural course of nature

animals should be left how evolution formed them

Question 9

what is a moral dilemma/ ethical dilemma?

Answer 9

when conflict exists between different actions, where choosing either option will result in a moral transgression by precluding the other

Question 10

what are the 5 ethical frameworks?

Answer 10

• utilitarianism:
• Kantian (deontology)
• virtue ethics
• divine command theory
• situation ethics

Question 11

what is consequentialism?

Answer 11

the right or wrongness of an action is found in their consequences

Question 12

what is moral distress?

Answer 12

a feeling of unease where malalignment exits between moral principles and an institutionally enforced course of action

Question 13

strategies for dealing with moral dilemmas and moral stress

Answer 13

• look for guidelines
• write it down
• seek evidence
• seek professional advice
• phone a friend
• develop a self care plan

Question 14

Explain the five duties said by Rollins (2006)

Answer 14

Client (transparency)

Animal (welfare)

Profession (upholding standards)

Society (whistleblowing)

Yourselves (moral stress)

Question 15

What is the issue with a consequentialist mindset?

Answer 15

How do you know what the consequences are?

If the ends justify the means then bad things can also happen

How do we measure happiness anyway?

Question 16

Explain professionalism, ethics, and law

Answer 16

Professionalism:
- Behaviour
- Governed by RCVS code of conduct

Ethics:
- Beliefs (what is right or wrong)
- Looking for better or worse answers

Law:
- Rules/regulations to govern society

Question 17

Why is it important to understand ethical frameworks?

Answer 17

» Helps us to make decisions, what should I do? (1 mark)
» Helps us to understand that different people have different ethical viewpoints (1 mark)

Question 18

How do ethical frameworks differ from the RCVS Code of Conduct and the law?

Answer 18

»Ethical frameworks are guidance to help understand-what should I do (1 mark)
» Professional code of conduct lays down the obligations owed to the profession, individuals and society (1 mark)
» Law-Set of rules determined by the Government, Act of Parliament (1 mark)

Question 19

what are the 5 ethical viewpoints in terms of animals?

Answer 19

• utilitarian view
• contractarian view
• animal rights view
• respect for nature view
• relational view

Question 20

what does Peter singer say about speciesism?

Answer 20

prejudice or bias in favour of the interests of members of ones now species against those of members of other species

Question 21

what is meant by social contract?

Answer 21

society places trust in us as a result of experience/expertise etc resulting in self determination
- as vets we have the RCVS

Question 22

Rollin described vets as having an ‘Aesculapian authority. What did he mean by that?

Answer 22

Allows vets to wield significant influence over the ultimate client decision

Question 23

what is the mepham matrix used for?

Answer 23

A tool to aid moral decision making whereby you articulate multiple perspectives and concerns in order to help come to a conclusion.