Bioethics

What is Consequence based approach?

• Places central importance on the consideration of the consequences of an action

• Aims to achieve the maximisation of positive results, with the minimisation of negative results.

• The focus is on the eventual outcome opposed to the process taken to reach it

‘The ends justify the means… Positive outcomes must outweigh the negatives’

What is Duty/rules based approach?

• Prioritises the idea that people have a duty to act in a particular way 

• Core concept is that certain ethical rules must be followed, regardless of the eventual consequences that may be produced

‘Not acceptable to cause immediate or temporary harm in the pursuit of a potential ‘greater good’’

What is Virtue based approach?

• Considers the moral character of the person carrying out the action (rather than focus on the action)

• Recognises that people from different backgrounds may be guided to act in a different way

‘What would a good person seek to achieve… How would a good person act?’

What is the concept of Integrity?

• The commitment to searching for knowledge, as well as the honest reporting of all sources of information and communication of results 

• Publishing all findings (favourable or unfavourable) in ways that permit scrutiny and contribute to public understanding

What is the concept of Justice?

• A moral obligation to ensure there is fair consideration of competing claims, as well as fair distribution and access to an action's benefits

• This requires that there is no unfair burden placed on a particular group as a result of a specific action

What is the concept of Beneficence?

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

• Unlike non-maleficence, the focus is on the prevention of harm (and promotion of good outcomes) as opposed to the causing of harm

What is the concept of Non Maleficence?

• A commitment to avoiding the causations of harm or any detrimental consequences 

• If an outcome cannot avoid some degree of harm, then the harm should not be disproportionate to the benefits gained from the action

What is the concept of Respect?

• The consideration of the extent to which living things have an intrinsic value and/or instrumental value 

• Due regard is given to the welfare, liberty, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of the individual and the collective

• Consideration is also given to the capacity of living things to make their own decisions 

• When living things have diminished capacity to make decisions, they are empowered where possible and protected as necessary

What is the Political lens?

• How is this issue addressed in political debate or policy-making?

• What role do governments play in regulating or funding it?

• Are there political ideologies or party lines influencing the response?

• How may interest groups, lobbyists, or advocacy organisations influence decisions?

• Is this issue connected to broader political agendas (e.g. rights, public health, justice)?

What is the Legal lens?

• What laws or regulations currently apply to this issue?

• Are there any legal rights, responsibilities, or protections at stake?

• Is the legal system keeping pace with scientific and technological developments?

• Are there international legal differences or conflicts relating to this issue?

• What legal consequences could result from action or inaction?

What is the Economic lens?

• What are the financial costs and benefits of addressing or ignoring this issue?

• Who funds the relevant research, treatments, or services, and why?

• Are economic interests (e.g. profit, patents, private companies) influencing ethical decisions?

• How might resource allocation affect fairness and equity?

What is the Social lens?

• How does this issue impact different groups in society (e.g. by age, gender, culture, class)?

• Are certain communities or individuals disproportionately affected (either positively or negatively)?

• What are the prevailing social attitudes or beliefs around this issue?

• How do media and public discourse shape societal views on this issue?

• Does the issue reflect or challenge social norms and values?