Moral Theory and Principles of Ethics Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is consequentialism?
A moral theory where “an action is right if and only if it promotes best consequences.”
Who developed consequentialism?
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th–19th centuries
What is the most common form of consequentialism?
Utilitarianism – based on maximising pleasure and minimising pain.
What is deontology?
A moral theory where “an action is right if and only if it is in accord with a moral rule or principle.”
Who developed deontology?
Immanuel Kant in the 17th century.
What does deontology focus on?
Duties and rules, not consequences.
What is virtue ethics?
A moral theory where “an action is right if and only if it is what a virtuous agent would do in the circumstances.”
Who developed virtue ethics?
Aristotle (c. 350 BC), revived by Philippa Foot and others from the 1950s–60s.
What is central to virtue ethics?
Cultivation of virtues and human flourishing.
What does consequentialism value?
The outcome of the action.
What does deontology value?
Adherence to universal moral rules or principles.
What does virtue ethics value?
The moral character and virtues of the agent performing the action.
What is a shortcoming of consequentialism?
It may justify morally questionable actions if they produce good outcomes.
What is a shortcoming of deontology?
It may lead to rigid adherence to rules regardless of harmful consequences.
What is a shortcoming of virtue ethics?
It can be vague—what counts as a virtue may differ between individuals or cultures.
Name 3 other ethical theories used in healthcare.
Feminist ethics, narrative ethics, communitarianism
What are the four principles of medical ethics?
Autonomy
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Justice
What does respect for autonomy mean?
Allowing competent, informed adults to make their own healthcare decisions.
What is beneficence?
The obligation to act in a way that benefits the patient.
What is non-maleficence?
“First, do no harm” – avoid causing harm to patients.
“First, do no harm” – avoid causing harm to patients.
Fair distribution of healthcare resources, respecting legal and moral rights.
What is the doctrine of double effect (DDE)?
The moral distinction between intending harm vs. foreseeing harm in pursuit of a good outcome.
What are the four criteria of DDE?
- The action must be good, independent of consequences.
- The agent must intend only the good effect.
- The bad effect must not be a means to the good effect.
- The good effect must outweigh the bad effect.
What is a clinical example of DDE?
Giving a high dose of morphine to relieve pain, even if it may hasten death—not permissible to give it to cause death directly.
