Unit 3–4 Study Guide: Ethical Theories and Bioethics

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering major ethical theories (Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Prima Facie Duties, Virtue Ethics) and core Bioethics principles as outlined in the Unit 3-4 study guide.

Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)

Theory associated with Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill where the right action equals the greatest net happiness for the greatest number.

Principle of Utility

Also called the Greatest Happiness Principle; the core principle that an action is right if it results in the greatest net happiness for the greatest number.

Jeremy Bentham

A philosopher associated with Utilitarianism who focused on the quantity of pleasure and the hedonic calculus, famously stating 'Pushpin = poetry'.

John Stuart Mill

A philosopher associated with Utilitarianism who focused on the quality of pleasure, distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures.

Act Utilitarianism

A form of Utilitarianism where each individual action is evaluated based on its consequences.

Rule Utilitarianism

A form of Utilitarianism where one follows rules that generally maximize happiness.

Kantian Theory (Deontology)

An ethical theory associated with Immanuel Kant where morality is about duty and motives rather than outcomes or consequences.

Universal Law Formulation

The first formulation of the Categorical Imperative: Act only on rules you could will as universal law.

Humanity Formulation

The second formulation of the Categorical Imperative: Never treat people merely as means.

Good will

In Kantian ethics, the only thing that is considered good in itself.

Autonomy

In Kantian ethics, defined as rational self-legislation.

Persons

Defined in Kantian ethics as ends in themselves.

Perfect duties

Duties in Kantian ethics that allow for no exceptions.

Imperfect duties

Flexible duties in Kantian ethics, such as the duty to develop talents or practice charity.

Prima Facie Duties

A theory associated with W. D. Ross stating multiple duties exist that are binding unless overridden by stronger duties.

Fidelity

A common prima facie duty involving promise-keeping.

Reparation

A common prima facie duty involving making amends for previous wrongs.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical theory associated with Aristotle and Philippa Foot that focuses on moral character, habits, and moral education rather than rules or outcomes.

Eudaimonia

A key concept in Virtue Ethics meaning human flourishing or living well.

Golden Mean

Aristotle's concept that virtue is the right amount of emotion at the right time, falling between extremes such as cowardice and recklessness.

Phronesis

A concept in Virtue Ethics referring to practical wisdom.

Autonomy (Bioethics)

The bioethical principle of respecting patient choice.

Beneficence

The bioethical principle of promoting well-being.

Non-maleficence

The bioethical principle of doing no harm.

Distributive Justice

The bioethical principle concerning the fair allocation of resources.

Casuistry

A method of case-based reasoning used in bioethics.

Paternalism

A situation where experts override a patient's choice.

Primum non nocere

A Latin phrase meaning 'First, do no harm,' central to the principle of non-maleficence.

The Nuremberg Code

An important historical reference in bioethics created in response to WWII medical atrocities.