Ethics and Medical Technology – Review Flashcards

A set of question-and-answer flashcards summarizing key ethical theories, issues, professional guidelines, and the nature of medical technology discussed in the lecture.

Who coined the term 'pragmatism' and who further developed it?

Charles Sanders Peirce coined the term, and William James further developed it.

In the medical context, how is ethical pragmatism generally applied?

It is used as a framework for decision-making and moral reasoning that focuses on practical consequences of actions in health care.

Which philosophers founded ethical utilitarianism and what is its core principle?

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill; actions are judged good or bad based on the happiness or unhappiness they produce (principle of utility).

According to Mill’s principle of utility, when are actions considered good?

When they tend to promote happiness and reduce unhappiness.

Name four broad concerns that must be considered during an ethical review in health-care professions.

Diversity, decision making, compliance, and governance.

What does Article II, Section 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution say about abortion?

The State shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception, making abortion illegal except when the mother’s life is at stake.

Why do supporters of abortion argue it should be allowed in certain cases?

They believe pregnant women, such as rape victims, should have the right to decide for themselves.

Define ethics in the context of human existence.

It is the moral code guiding individual behavior and the study of moral principles addressing various human problems.

List at least three types of problems ethics seeks to address, according to Timbreza.

Logical (reasoning), epistemological (truth), cosmological (universe), ethical (morality), aesthetical (art/beauty), or scientific (science).

Give two perspectives on morality identified by Donal Harrington.

Morality as law, inner conviction, love, personal growth, or social transformation (any two).

How does James Gustafson differentiate ethics from morality?

Ethics focuses on theoretical prescriptions and criteria of judgment, whereas morality deals with norms practiced by a particular community and the character of moral agents.

What is ethical relativism?

The theory that moral standards are culture-dependent; what is right in one culture may be wrong in another.

Define euthanasia and list its three main forms.

Intentional ending of life to relieve suffering; forms are voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary euthanasia.

What is genetic engineering and why is it ethically controversial?

Manipulation of genetic material; viewed as controversial because it allows humans to alter life processes, raising moral concerns.

Name two specific genetic-engineering procedures often debated ethically.

Genetic screening and stem-cell therapy (others: genetic interventions, in-vitro fertilization).

What does professional ethics encompass in the workplace?

Morally acceptable behavior guided by a profession’s code of ethics to maintain a healthy, productive environment.

State four of the "ten golden rules" of professional ethics.

Strive for excellence, be trustworthy, be accountable, be courteous (others: respectful, honest, transparent, competent, ethical, honorable, and respect confidentiality).

How is science distinct from technology in the context of medical technology?

Science studies the natural world, while technology applies scientific knowledge to create tools, procedures, or knowledge that benefit society.

List the three ways technology can be defined, according to Howell.

1) Physical artifact/machine/instrument, 2) Activity or means to accomplish a goal, 3) Body of knowledge.

What is the main purpose of medical technology?

To improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases.

Describe two routine tasks performed by clinical laboratory scientists.

Examining body fluids for bacteria or parasites and matching blood for transfusion (others: counting cells, analyzing chemical contents, testing drug levels).