What are the big three ethical theories and their key concepts?
- virtue ethics (virtuous character),
- deontologism (duty)
- consequentialism (unity)
Which approach focuses on results and which on moral character?
Consequentialism → results;
Virtue Ethics → moral character.
What is the central claim of virtue ethics?
Morality depends on moral character, not just actions.
(reason behind actions)
What does “virtue” mean and what is the ultimate goal of virtue ethics?
Virtue” = excellence (Greek arête). Goal = human flourishing (eudaimonia).
How does Aristotle define virtue?
A good habit that shapes character to aim at what is good. Living well = living virtuously.
What are Aristotle’s three criteria for virtuous action?
Model of the wise person , 2) The golden mean , 3) Practical reason
Who determines the right action in virtue ethics?
The agent herself, through deliberation—not by following external rules.
What is the golden mean in virtue ethics?
Finding balance between extremes (e.g., stingy ↔ generous ↔ selfless).
How is eudaimonia different from utility?
Utility = max happiness (outcomes), eudaimonia = flourishing through virtues (less outcome-focused, more character-driven).
What is eudaimonia?
Happiness/flourishing — the “good life.”
Why is virtue ethics called teleological?
It says humans pursue a purpose (telos): eudaimonia.
What does “teleological” mean?
Explaining things by their purpose or final cause.
How is virtue ethics different from just following rules?
It pushes us to grow into better people, not just avoid doing wrong. or follow the rules
What are some key virtues?
Honesty, compassion, loyalty, fairness, benevolence.
What does it mean to act morally in virtue ethics?
Doing the right thing for the right reason — from inner virtue, not external pressure.
Example? of acting morally in virtue ethics
Saving someone because of compassion, not just because it’s a rule/ society says you should
Why do people like consequentialism in health care?
4 reasons
Clear decision rule, good for emergencies, focuses on population health, and adaptable.
Why is virtue ethics harder to use in policy?
too personal and individual — policies need rules that apply to everyone.
What is principlism?
A framework using 4 universal principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice.
What’s the role of principles in ethics?q
They justify decisions — you explain choices “in the name of” a principle.
How is a principle different from a value?
Value = something good (honesty). Principle = rule that applies the value (“don’t lie”).
What are the 4 principles of applied health ethics?
Autonomy (respect choices).
Beneficence (do good) promote wellness
Non-maleficence (don’t harm).
Justice (fairness/equality).
What does autonomy mean?
Self-rule — people control what happens to their bodies.`
How is autonomy respected in health care?
Informed consent, truth-telling, privacy, confidentiality, advance directives.
