Bioethical Tools

Question 1

What are the 2 categories for Bioethics?

Answer 1

1. Approaches
2. Concepts

Question 2

What are the 3 bioethical approaches?

Answer 2

1. Consequence-based approach
2. Duty/Rule-based approach
3. Virtues-based approach

Consequence-based approach is most important

Question 3

What are the 4 key terms to include when talking about a consequence-based approach?

Answer 3

• Outcomes
• Benefits
• Consequences
• Effects

Question 4

What does consequence-based approach consider?

Answer 4

• Individual should be driven to consider consequences likely to result
• There is an aim to maximise positive outcomes
• Whilst also minimising negative effects

Question 5

How might a consequence-based approach allow the breaking of rules?

Answer 5

• This approach emphasises circumstances of an action.
• Thus if benefits outweigh in the sense that greatest good can be achieved for greatest number of stakeholders then rules may be broken

Question 6

What are the 4 key terms to include when talking about duty/rules-based approach?

Answer 6

• Obligation
• Duty
• Responsibility
• Commitment

Question 7

What does duty/rules-based approach consider?

Answer 7

• Individual is driven by fundamental duty to act in a way.
• Aim to follow set-rules and responsibilities
• Less regard for consequences (good or bad).

Question 8

How might a duty/rule-based approach enforce the following of rules?

Answer 8

• This approach argues that actions cannot be justified just because of good consequences
• Rules must be followed as they are obligation of individual and their commitment to conventions.

Question 9

What are the 4 key terms to include when talking about a virtues-based approach?

Answer 9

• ANy reference to virtues
• Eg: Good, Morals, Honest, Caring, Charitable Humanity, etc.

Question 10

What does virtues-based approach consider?

Answer 10

• Individuals driven by their character instead of fundamental rules or consequences
• Aim to emphasise moral nature of individual
• Act as a “morall good person would hope to achieve”

Question 11

How might a virtues-based approach consider rules or consequences?

Answer 11

• Would not consider either rules or consequences
• An action can be justified simply for being good and morally righteous.
• Emphasis on virtues involved in decision making

Question 12

What are the 5 Bioethical Concepts?

Answer 12

1. Integrity
2. Justice
3. Beneficience
4. Non-maleficience
5. Respect

Question 13

Describe Bioethical concept of integrity

Answer 13

Commitment to knowledge
* Encourages individuals to act honestly and truthfully
* Present all findings or results (regardless of favourability)

Question 14

Describe Bioethical concept of justice

Answer 14

Commitment to fairness
* Encourages an individual to consider different people’s opinions and positions
* Acknowledge all aspects of an issue and then do the right thing

Question 15

Describe Bioethical concept of Beneficience

Answer 15

Commitment to maximising benefits
* Encourages individuals to act in the benefit of others
* Considers all stakeholders

Question 16

Describe Bioethical concept of non-maleficience

Answer 16

Commitment to minimising harms
* Encourages the prevention of harms or negative side-effects
* Considers all stakeholders

Opposite fo beneficience

Question 17

Describe Bioethical concept of respect

Answer 17

Commitment to consideration
* Consider value of others and other people’s wellbeing, welfare, beliefs, feelings, freedom and autonomy