Ethical issue in biomedical sciences

What is the role of trust in science and why is it important?

Trust allows the public to rely on scientists without direct understanding and is essential for acceptance of scientific knowledge

Why might public trust in science be challenged in modern society?

Misinformation conspiracy theories and poor communication reduce trust in scientific expertise

How can scientists improve public trust in their work?

Through transparency honesty clear communication and better public education

What is ethics and what does it aim to determine?

A branch of philosophy that examines what is right and wrong in human behaviour

What is the difference between describing what is happening and deciding what should happen?

Science describes what is while ethics determines what should be done

How does ethics differ from anthropology and social science?

Anthropology and social science describe behaviour while ethics evaluates what is right or wrong

What are the three main ethical theories and how do they differ?

Consequentialism focuses on outcomes deontology focuses on rules and duties and virtue ethics focuses on character

What is consequentialism?

An act based theory derived from analysis of the net benefit of outcomes a harm benefit analysis the ends justify the means aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number

What is a key limitation of consequentialism?

It may ignore minority interests and outcomes are difficult to predict especially long term

What is deontology?

An act based theory based on duty and universal moral rules actions are right or wrong depending on whether rules are followed

What are the bases of deontological rules?

Tradition or culture and logic

What is a key limitation of deontology?

Rules may be too rigid and not apply well in complex situations

What is virtue ethics?

A character based theory where the right action is what a virtuous person would do

What is a key limitation of virtue ethics?

It lacks clear guidance on actions and can be vague good character alone is not sufficient

What is a balanced equilibrium in ethics?

Combining different ethical theories to reach better decisions

What is the is ought distinction?

Scientists describe how things are while ethicists describe how things should be

What are the four main principles of biomedical ethics?

Autonomy beneficence non maleficence and justice

What does autonomy mean in ethics?

The right of individuals to make their own decisions

What does beneficence mean in ethics?

The obligation to act in ways that promote good

What does non maleficence mean in ethics?

The duty to avoid causing harm

What does justice mean in ethics?

Fair distribution of benefits resources and responsibilities

Why is autonomy not always absolute?

Individual choices may harm others or create societal costs

What principle justifies limiting freedom to prevent harm?

The harm principle

What is the difference between freedom from and freedom to?

Freedom from is absence of interference freedom to is the ability to act enabled by systems

How do values influence ethical decision making?

They shape beliefs and judgments about right and wrong

Why do values change over time?

Cultural social and historical influences shift what is acceptable

How are ethics values and trust in science connected?

Values shape ethics and ethical behaviour builds or undermines trust

What is the absolutism to nihilism continuum?

A spectrum from fixed moral truths to no moral values including absolutism universalism pluralism relativism and nihilism

What is pluralism and why is it important?

It accepts different viewpoints and encourages discussion without forcing agreement

Why are historical research abuses important?

They highlight the need for strict ethical guidelines and participant protection

Name examples of unethical experiments?

Nazi experiments and the Tuskegee syphilis study

What was unethical about the Tuskegee study?

Participants were misled not treated despite available cures and suffered harm

How does ethics impact scientific research?

It ensures validity protects participants requires consent and prevents harm and exploitation

What are the Declaration of Helsinki principles?

Scientific validity participant wellbeing and informed consent

What are key ethical requirements for human research?

Validity informed consent participant welfare dignity and confidentiality

What are the three Rs in animal research?

Replace reduce and refine

What do animal welfare laws aim to do?

Minimise pain and distress in research animals

What are alternatives to animal testing?

In vitro studies and computational modelling

When is animal testing considered ethical?

When benefits outweigh harm and suffering is minimised

Why is science fiction considered implicitly ethical?

It explores future possibilities and raises ethical questions

What does anthropocentric science mean?

Science prioritising human needs over other species and the environment

What are instrumental vs intrinsic values?

Instrumental value is usefulness to humans intrinsic value is value in itself

What is synthetic biology?

An interdisciplinary field combining engineering and biology to design or create new biological systems

What is germline gene therapy?

Modifying DNA in reproductive cells or embryos so changes are inherited

What are ethical concerns of germline gene therapy?

Lack of consent from future generations inequality and enhancement concerns

Why is germline therapy more controversial than somatic therapy?

Because changes are heritable and affect future generations

How could germline therapy increase inequality?

Access may be limited to the wealthy creating genetic advantages

What are designer babies?

Genetic modification to enhance traits beyond disease prevention

What does playing God mean in genetics?

Humans controlling fundamental aspects of life and evolution

Why is uncertainty important in emerging tech ethics?

Long term effects are unknown making risk assessment difficult

When can risks of biotechnology be justified?

When it is proven safe the condition is serious and informed consent is given

What is human bioenhancement?

Enhancing human traits beyond normal health with no clear line from therapy

What risks are associated with enhancement?

Effects on physical mental health physiology and personality

Could moral enhancement be justified?

Possibly by removing negative traits but raises concerns about freedom and defining moral superiority