VCE Biology - Bioethics

Approaches to bioethics, Ethical concepts

Consequence-based approach

Places central importance on the consideration of the consequences of an action, with the aim to achieve maximisation of positive outcomes and minimisation of negative effects.

Duty-and/or rule-based approach

Concerned with how people act and places central importance on the idea that people have a duty to act in a particular way, and/or that certain ethical rules must be followed, regardless of the consequences that may be produced.

Virtues-based approach

Person, rather than action-based. Consideration is given to the virtue or moral character of the person carrying out the action, providing guidance about the characteristics and behaviours a good person would seek to achieve to then be able to act in the right way.

Integrity

The commitment to searching for knowledge and understanding and the honest reporting of all sources of information and communication of results, whether favourable or unfavourable, in ways that permit scrutiny and contribute to public knowledge and understanding.

Justice

The moral obligation to ensure that there is fair consideration of competing claims; that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action; and that there is fair distribution and access to the benefits of an action.

Beneficence

The commitment to maximising benefits and minimising the risks and harms involved in taking a particular position or course of action.

Non-maleficence

Avoiding the causations of harm. However, as positions or courses of action in scientific research may involve some degree of harm, the concept of non-maleficence implies that the harm resulting from any position or course of action should not be disproportionate to the benefits from any position or course of action.

Respect

Consideration of the extent to which living things have an intrinsic value and/or instrumental value; giving due regard to the welfare, liberty and autonomy, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of both the individual and the collective; consideration of the capacity of living things to make their own decisions; and when living things have diminished capacity to make their own decisions ensuring that they are empowered where possible and protected as necessary.