Moral Reasoning in Bioethics

These flashcards encompass key concepts and vocabulary related to moral reasoning in bioethics.

Bioethics

The study of ethical issues arising in health care and medical science.

Morality

Beliefs concerning right and wrong actions and morally good and bad character.

Autonomy

The capacity for self-governance or self-determination, allowing individuals to make informed decisions.

Nonmaleficence

The principle of not inflicting harm intentionally or unintentionally.

Beneficence

The ethical principle that obligates individuals to act for the benefit of others.

Justice

The concept of fairness in the distribution of benefits and burdens among individuals.

Ethics

The study of morality using philosophical methods.

Metaethics

The branch of ethics that analyzes the meaning and justification of moral beliefs.

Normative Ethics

The search for and justification of moral principles and standards.

Applied Ethics

The application of moral principles to resolve practical moral issues.

Descriptive Ethics

The empirical study of people's moral beliefs and practices.

Egalitarian Theories

Theories that advocate for equal distribution of social benefits.

Libertarian Theories

Theories emphasizing personal freedoms and the right to pursue one’s own well-being without interference.

Ethical Relativism

The doctrine that moral standards are relative to cultural or individual beliefs.

Moral Objectivism

The belief that there are objective moral standards that apply universally.

Informed Consent

The right of patients to receive information and freely consent to or decline medical treatments.

Paternalism

Interfering with a person's freedom for their own good.

Supererogatory Actions

Actions that are praiseworthy but not required.

Principle of Utility

The ethical principle that states we should maximize good and minimize harm for all.

Moral Principles

Basic guidelines that inform ethical decision-making.