week 2

Question 1

what is a moral theory?

Answer 1

theory that explains why an action is right or wrong or good or bad

Question 2

why do we need moral theories?

Answer 2

it provides grounds on which to establish what is deemed right/wrong and the reasons why

Question 3

define virtues (moral foundations)

Answer 3

qualities and character that guide us towards goodness

Question 4

define duty (moral foundations)

Answer 4

the respobsibilites and obligations that one owes to oneself and society

Question 5

define utility (moral foundations)

Answer 5

the principle of maximizing overall happiness and welfare

Question 6

define rights (moral foundations)

Answer 6

fundamental privileges and entitlements bestowed on individuals

Question 7

define natural law (moral foundations)

Answer 7

morals that govern human behaviour, human nature and nature of the world

Question 8

define principles (moral foundation)

Answer 8

the basic truths and standards that guide moral reasoning
ex: justice, fairness

Question 9

define capacities: moral foundations

Answer 9

the inherent abilities and potentialities that enable ethical behaviour

Question 10

what is virtue ethics and what is the key concept?

Answer 10

rightness of actions is based on if it aligns with relevant virtues.
key: virtuous character

Question 11

what is deontologism and the key concept

Answer 11

rightness of actions is determined by their intrinsic nature
key: duty

Question 12

what is consequentialism and the key concept

Answer 12

rightness of actions depends solely on their consequences.
key : utility

Question 13

what is the central claim of consequentialism ?

Answer 13

good outcomes justify the action

Question 14

What question are we asking if we are using consequentialism ?

Answer 14

What will produce the best results overall?

Question 15

What are the 5 key features of consequentialism?

Answer 15

• consequences determine morality
• impartiality - everyone’s wellbeing is equal
• aggregation - we add up the harms and benenfits of everyone impacted
• flexibility - no act= right or wrong it depends on outcomes
• forward looking—what will happen if we do this

Question 16

what are examples of when consequentialism is used in health care

Answer 16

• vaccines, quarantines, harm reduction, icu beds, transplants, treatment, emergencies

Question 17

why is consequentialism a good choice in health ethics

Answer 17

because it is an easy decision of choosing the option with the best overall outcome which can be good during emergencies and is very adaptable

Question 18

what are the limitations of consequentialism

Answer 18

it can permit harmful acts for the greater good and neglect rights (truth telling consent etc)
it also can be tricky to measure and impact equity. (benefits for some at the expense of others)

Question 19

What is the outcome measure? of utilitarianism?

Answer 19

happiness, well-being, or utility

Question 20

what did Bentham say are the two guiding powers

Answer 20

pain and pleasure
“we should maximize what creates pleasure”

Question 21

What was Bentham’s opinion on equity?

Answer 21

Everyone should have the same enjoyment of pleasure and minimize pain.
“everybody to count for one, nobody for more than one.”

Question 22

in utilitarianism how is morality determines

Answer 22

whatever produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number

Question 23

what is the “greatest happiness” principle

Answer 23

the right action is one that produces the greatest overal balance of pleasure over pain

Question 24

define the three central features of utility

Answer 24

1. maximization : seek the option with the best net of results
2. aggregation : add together all peoples happiness
3. equality : everyone’s happiness counts the same

Question 25

what is act utilitarianism?

Answer 25

when you evaluate each indivdual act on max happiness , every case is assessed on its own very flexible

Question 26

what is rule utilitarianism

Answer 26

an action is right if it follows a rule that, if generally adopted would max happiness - focus on rules or practices not indivdiual acts

Question 27

why is rule utilitarianism important

Answer 27

because rules are what shape long term trust stability and predictability in society

Question 28

what are the two main examples of rule utilitarianism in health care

Answer 28

- confidentiality - a rule that must be protected to preserve trust in the health system - informed consent must be always obtained - for trust

Question 29

what are the differences between act and rule utilitarianism?

Answer 29

act utilitarianism focuses on indivdiual acts and the immediate consquences whereas rule focuses on the general rules and long term outcomes of following a rule. act is much more flexible but rule is more stable act can allow harmful acts if benefits are larger and rule can be harmful if not updated

Question 30

what are the critiques of utilitarianism?

Answer 30

there are inequalities present and measuring it is hard, ends also justify means which can cause unjust acts, there is a neglect for basical moral considerations and is demanding

Question 31

WHAT is the core idea of non-consequentialist ethics?

Answer 31

some actions are right or wrong in themselves regardless of the outcomes

Question 32

what are the key features of duty - based ethics

Answer 32

1. some actions are morally right or wrong 2. duties and obligations (truthtelling) 3. rules and principles 4. universalism 5. respect for persons (people are not just a means to others happiness)

Question 33

what is deontology

Answer 33

the moral study of duty

Question 34

according to Kant what is deontology

Answer 34

the necessity of doing something out of respect for the law

Question 35

what are Kant's 2 key universal laws of deontologial ethics

Answer 35

1. universalizability -if it would be wrong for everyone to do it, it is wrong for you to do it 2. respect for persons : people must never be used only as tools for other's goals

Question 36

what is a hypothertical imperative and example

Answer 36

a command to do something if we want to achieve a particular goal - "if you want good pay work hard" "if you want lower blood pressure, follow a low sodium diet"

Question 37

what is a categorical imperative and example

Answer 37

is a command to do something without exception - do this regardless - if you make a mistake you must own up to it even if there will be consequences

Question 38

what does Kants deontological ethics challenge

Answer 38

ultilitarianism - it places limits on what can be justified even if it leads to better outcomes

Question 39

what formulation is the question "could everyone act on this rule without contraditction?"

Answer 39

universalizability

Question 40

why is respect for persons important in health ethics

Answer 40

so patients cannot be used as instruments for maximizing the population's health, and to respect individuals' autonomy, rights and consent

Question 41

what are the limitations of Kantian ethics

Answer 41

Some limitations include that there are few exceptions (rigid), it can conflict with duty, and it ignores that consequences do matter too. It is also very abstract and formal. and emphasizes reason over emotion.