Ethics and Decision Making

Practice flashcards covering key concepts in ethics and decision-making.

Conjoined twins

Twins who are physically joined together, sharing some organs and bodily functions.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that determines right from wrong based on the outcomes of actions, prioritizing actions that maximize happiness for the greatest number.

Deontology

An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to rules, considering actions morally right if they conform to prescribed obligations.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's principle stating that actions must be universally applicable without exceptions.

Virtue-based Ethics

An ethical approach that focuses on the character and qualities of the moral agent rather than specific actions.

Divine Command Ethics

An ethical framework based on rules and guidance provided by a divine presence or religious texts.

Natural Law

An ethical theory asserting that moral principles are derived from the natural order of the world.

Principle of Totality

The ethical stance maintaining that interventions on parts of the body must consider the good of the whole body.

Principle of Double Effect

A moral principle stating that an action causing a serious harm is permissible if the harm was not intended and if the good effect is proportional to the bad effect.

Contractarianism

An ethical theory based on the idea of social contracts in which individuals agree to form a society with mutual rights and obligations.

Positive rights

Rights that require proactive provision of goods or services, such as the right to an organ transplant.

Negative rights

Rights that require others (usually the government) to abstain from interfering with individual actions, such as the right to refuse medical treatment.

Steps to Decision Making

A systematic approach to making ethical decisions, including identifying the problem, gathering facts, examining options, weighing outcomes, making a decision, and evaluating results.