Moral Philosophy and Ethics - Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on moral philosophy, ethics, bioethics, ethical inquiry, and major ethical theories.

Moral Philosophy (Ethics)

Practical and normative science based on reason; sets standards for right and wrong human acts.

Practical science

Applies systematized knowledge to human actions.

Normative science

Establishes moral standards (good vs. evil).

Reason

Basis of ethics; not dependent on divine revelation; differs from religion.

Human acts

Actions performed with knowledge and consent; carry moral responsibility.

Acts of man

Actions done without knowledge or consent; not morally responsible.

Ignorance (vincible)

Ignorance that can be overcome; does not excuse responsibility.

Ignorance (invincible)

Ignorance that cannot be overcome; may absolve or mitigate responsibility.

Erroneous conscience

Mistaken judgment; moral quality depends on sincerity.

Human Freedom

Choice exists before, during, and after an act; opposed by determinists who emphasize environment.

Immortality of the Soul

Spiritual, indestructible nature; debated by materialists.

Existence of God

Postulate used differently by theists (divine order) and atheists (problem of evil).

Ethics (definition)

Study of good and evil, right and wrong, and moral truths.

Moral truths: universal vs. relative

Question of whether moral truths are universal or culturally relative.

Bioethics

Systematic study of moral issues in life sciences and healthcare.

Emergence cause 1: Abuses in human experimentation

Historical abuses (e.g., Nazi camps, Tuskegee) spurring bioethical review.

Emergence cause 2: New biomedical technologies

Technologies like transplants and dialysis raise new ethical issues.

Emergence cause 3: Shift to patient autonomy

Move from paternalism to patient-centered decision-making.

Emergence cause 4: New fields

Ecology, genetic engineering, reproductive medicine expanding ethics needs.

Emergence cause 5: Rise of social movements

Civil rights and women’s rights influencing ethical standards.

Emergence cause 6: Need for ethics in tech age

Ethical frameworks required for rapid technological advances.

Medical Ethics

Hippocratic duty, confidentiality, and preserving life.

Research Ethics

Nuremberg Code and informed consent guiding human research.

Public Policy (Ethics)

Ethical decision-making in health laws and policies.

Nursing Ethics

Moral guidance in nursing based on person, care, health, healing, and environment.

Awareness (Process of Ethical Inquiry)

Identify and frame ethical dilemmas.

Background (Process of Ethical Inquiry)

Gather facts, values, and perspectives.

Reasoning (Process of Ethical Inquiry)

Apply ethical frameworks to dilemmas.

Decision (Process of Ethical Inquiry)

Choose morally justified action.

Action & Evaluation (Process of Ethical Inquiry)

Implement the action and assess outcomes.

Four-Box Model

Ethical framework with Medical Indications, Patient Preferences, Quality of Life, Contextual Features.

Teleological (Consequentialism)

Focus on outcomes; aims for good consequences.

Utilitarianism

Greatest good for the greatest number as a central tenet of consequentialism.

Deontological

Duty- and rule-based ethics; emphasis on moral duties.

Kant’s Categorical Imperative

Act only on maxims you could will as universal law; treat people as ends.

Cultural Relativism

Morality determined by cultural norms; no universal truth.

Divine Command

Morality determined by God’s will.

Natural Law

Moral order rooted in human nature; includes Principle of Double Effect.

Principle of Double Effect

Permissible to perform an action with both good and bad effects if intent is good and bad effect is not the means to the good effect.

Virtue Ethics

Focus on moral character and virtues (e.g., caring in nursing).

Care Ethics

Emphasizes relationships and responsibilities in caregiving.

Principlism

Four ethical principles: autonomy, justice, nonmaleficence, beneficence.

Respect for Autonomy

Honor a patient’s right to make informed decisions.

Justice

Fair distribution of benefits, burdens, and opportunities.

Nonmaleficence

Do no harm.

Beneficence

Act for the good of others; promote well-being.