Bioethics and Ethical Theories Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture notes related to bioethics, ethical theories, medical practices, and related discussions on topics like euthanasia, pediatric care, and informed consent.

What are the five key terms in bioethical terminology?

Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Utility, and Justice

What is the Principle of Utility in Utilitarianism?

An act is morally required if and only if it is optimific.

Define 'optimific'.

An action that produces the best possible outcome.

What is the Universal Law Formulation (ULF) in Deontology?

Act by the maxim that you can will as a universal law.

What does 'maxim' mean in the context of Deontology?

A general principle or rule of conduct that guides an action.

What does 'universalizability' mean?

The ability to apply a maxim universally without contradiction.

What does the Formula of Humanity (FoH) state?

Treat all humans as an end and never merely as a means.

What is the difference between weak paternalism and strong paternalism?

Weak paternalism involves intervening for those who cannot make decisions for themselves, while strong paternalism intervenes against the will of a competent person.

What is medical futility?

When a medical intervention has no reasonable chance of achieving its intended outcome.

What is active euthanasia?

An intervention intended to end a life to relieve suffering.

What is passive euthanasia?

Withholding or withdrawing treatment that sustains life.

What is physician-assisted suicide?

Providing a patient with the means to end their own life, usually in cases of terminal illness.

Define biological death.

The irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain an organism.

What is the 'Future Like Ours' account of the wrongness of killing?

The argument that killing is wrong because it deprives individuals of a future that is valuable.

What is the distinction between 'killing' and 'letting die'?

Killing involves an active intervention to end life, while letting die involves allowing a person to die by not intervening.

What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

A medical procedure whereby an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body.

What is assent in the context of pediatric care?

A child's affirmative agreement to participate in research or medical treatment.

What are the ethical principles that guide human subjects in research?

Beneficence, justice, and respect for persons.

What are the two exceptions to children achieving legal informed consent?

Mature minors and cases of emergency where parental consent cannot be obtained.

What are the five key terms in bioethical terminology?

Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Utility, and Justice

What is the Principle of Utility in Utilitarianism?

An act is morally required if and only if it is optimific.

Define 'optimific'.

An action that produces the best possible outcome.

What is the Universal Law Formulation (ULF) in Deontology?

Act by the maxim that you can will as a universal law.

What does 'maxim' mean in the context of Deontology?

A general principle or rule of conduct that guides an action.

What does 'universalizability' mean?

The ability to apply a maxim universally without contradiction.

What does the Formula of Humanity (FoH) state?

Treat all humans as an end and never merely as a means.

What is the difference between weak paternalism and strong paternalism?

Weak paternalism involves intervening for those who cannot make decisions for themselves, while strong paternalism intervenes against the will of a competent person.

What is medical futility?

When a medical intervention has no reasonable chance of achieving its intended outcome.

What is active euthanasia?

An intervention intended to end a life to relieve suffering.

What is passive euthanasia?

Withholding or withdrawing treatment that sustains life.

What is physician-assisted suicide?

Providing a patient with the means to end their own life, usually in cases of terminal illness.

Define biological death.

The irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain an organism.

What is the 'Future Like Ours' account of the wrongness of killing?

The argument that killing is wrong because it deprives individuals of a future that is valuable.

What is the distinction between 'killing' and 'letting die'?

Killing involves an active intervention to end life, while letting die involves allowing a person to die by not intervening.

What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

A medical procedure whereby an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body.

What is assent in the context of pediatric care?

A child's affirmative agreement to participate in research or medical treatment.

What are the ethical principles that guide human subjects in research?

Beneficence, justice, and respect for persons.

What are the two exceptions to children achieving legal informed consent?

Mature minors and cases of emergency where parental consent cannot be obtained.

What is autonomy in bioethics?

The right of individuals to make their own decisions about their medical care without coercion.

What is nonmaleficence in bioethics?

The duty to do no harm.

What is justice in bioethics?

The fair distribution of healthcare resources and burdens, and equal treatment of individuals.

What is informed consent?

A patient's voluntary agreement to a medical treatment or procedure, based on understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives.