ethics Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are ethics?
The discipline of dealing with what is good and bad, with moral duty.
Explain deontology
Right and wrong can be found in the action itself
Explain Virtue Ethics
Virtue is the middle ground between the two extremes
Unconcerned for individual actions
The idea: create good people and they will have good actions
what is the Contractarian view
‘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
what is the utilitarian view
‘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)
what is the relational view?
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
what is the animal rights view?
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
what is the respect for nature view?
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
what is a moral dilemma/ ethical dilemma?
when conflict exists between different actions, where choosing either option will result in a moral transgression by precluding the other
what are the 5 ethical frameworks?
- utilitarianism:
- Kantian (deontology)
- virtue ethics
- divine command theory
- situation ethics
what is consequentialism?
the right or wrongness of an action is found in their consequences
what is moral distress?
a feeling of unease where malalignment exits between moral principles and an institutionally enforced course of action
strategies for dealing with moral dilemmas and moral stress
- look for guidelines
- write it down
- seek evidence
- seek professional advice
- phone a friend
- develop a self care plan
Explain the five duties said by Rollins (2006)
Client (transparency)
Animal (welfare)
Profession (upholding standards)
Society (whistleblowing)
Yourselves (moral stress)
What is the issue with a consequentialist mindset?
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?
Explain professionalism, ethics, and law
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
Why is it important to understand ethical frameworks?
» Helps us to make decisions, what should I do? (1 mark)
» Helps us to understand that different people have different ethical viewpoints (1 mark)
How do ethical frameworks differ from the RCVS Code of Conduct and the law?
»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)
what are the 5 ethical viewpoints in terms of animals?
- utilitarian view
- contractarian view
- animal rights view
- respect for nature view
- relational view
what does Peter singer say about speciesism?
prejudice or bias in favour of the interests of members of ones now species against those of members of other species
what is meant by social contract?
society places trust in us as a result of experience/expertise etc resulting in self determination
- as vets we have the RCVS
Rollin described vets as having an ‘Aesculapian authority. What did he mean by that?
Allows vets to wield significant influence over the ultimate client decision
what is the mepham matrix used for?
A tool to aid moral decision making whereby you articulate multiple perspectives and concerns in order to help come to a conclusion.
