Quiz 1 Flashcards
Nonmaleficence
To do no harm.
Beneficence
To do good.
Autonomy
Self-determination; freedom of action.
Justice
Equalization of benefits across society regardless of merit.
Paternalism
When someone believes that they know what is best for another person who is competent to make their own autonomous decisions.
Kant’s Categorical Imperative
The core of morality consists in following a rational and universally applicable moral rule and doing so solely out of sense of duty. An action is right only if it conforms to such a rule, and we are morally praiseworthy only if we perform it for duty’s sake alone.
All our moral duties are expressed in the form of categorical imperatives.
Focus: motive.
Moral Absolutism
The belief that objective moral principles allow no exceptions or must be applied the same way in all cases and cultures.
Utilitarianism
The view that right actions are those that result in the most beneficial balance of good over bad consequences for everyone involved.
Focus: consequence.
Virtue Ethics
A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character.
According to this theory, character is the key to a moral life for it is from a virtuous character that moral conduct and values naturally arise.
Focus: not necessarily doing morally good actions but being a morally good person overall.
Ethical Relativism
The view that moral standards are not objective but are relative (depends on) to what individuals or cultures believe.
ie. Action A may be moral for person A yet not moral for person B. Doesn’t make either person in the wrong, according to this theory.
Cultural Relativism
The view that right actions are those sanctioned by one’s culture.
Natural Law Theory
The view that right actions are those that conform to moral standards discerned in nature through human reason.
It’s in human nature to know what is moral due to our gift of reasoning. We must do and promote good and avoid evil.
Doctrine of Double Effect
The principle that performing a bad action to bring about a good effect is never morally acceptable, but performing a good action may sometimes be acceptable even if it produces a bad effect.
Principle of Totality
An individual may not destroy their capacity to function, except to the extent that this is necessary for the general well-being of the whole body.
This principle works in regards with medical procedures.
Contractarianism
Moral or political theories based on the idea of a social contract or agreement among individuals for mutual advantage.
Intrinsic vs. extrinsic value
Intrinsic value is value in and of itself. The value comes from within. If a being has this value, that being is valued because of who they are.
Extrinsic value is value deriving from what it can be used for. A being with only this value is only valued because of what it can do for us.
Ethics of Care
Arose out of feminist concerns.
Focus to the unique demands of specific situations and to the virtues and feelings that are central to close personal relationships–empathy, compassion, love, sympathy, and fidelity.
This theory resonates with nurses.
Kant’s principle of respect for persons
Never treat a person merely as a means, but always as an end.
