morals and medicine readings

autonomy

refers to a person's right to make decisions about their own life, particularly in relation to their health and medical treatment. The authors stress that respecting a patient's autonomy is foundational to medical ethics, but questions arise in situations where a patient's decision may conflict with what is deemed to be in their best interest.

non-maleficence

refers to the obligation to avoid harm.

Justice

…in  bioethics pertains to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources, and ensuring that individuals are treated equitably. This involves issues related to access to healthcare, distributive justice, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not discriminated against.

Deontological

,focuses on moral duties and principles. According to this theory, actions are morally right if they are in accordance with moral rules or duties, regardless of the outcomes.

teleological ethics

is an ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. It emphasizes that the rightness of an action is determined by its ability to produce good results.

Virtue ethics

rooted in the philosophy of Aristotle, focuses on the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than the rules or consequences of actions. According to virtue ethics, the right action is the one that a virtuous person, possessing traits such as wisdom, compassion, and courage, would take in a given situation. In bioethics, virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of character and personal integrity in making ethical decisions, particularly for healthcare providers.

principlism

is a framework used widely in bioethics that emphasizes four key principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. These principles are often used to guide decision-making in bioethics, especially when multiple moral considerations are involved and may conflict.

bioethics

as the study of ethical issues that arise in the fields of biology and medicine. is concerned with the moral questions surrounding advances in life sciences, particularly those that impact human life, healthcare, and well-being.

ethical issues in medicine

reproductive ethics, end of life decisions, genetic tech, healthcare justice

Utilitarianism

Advocates for the greatest good for the greatest number, with a focus on the consequences of actions.

Informed consent

 is a legal and ethical requirement in healthcare, where patients must be fully informed about the nature of the treatment, the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to it.

Key requirements:

1. disclosure

2. comprehension

3. voluntariness

Beneficence

refers to the ethical principle that healthcare providers have a duty to act in the best interest of their patients, promoting well-being and doing good.

Confidentiality

is the ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to keep patient information private, unless the patient has given explicit consent to share it or there is a legal obligation to disclose it

Paternalism

is the practice of overriding a person’s autonomy or decision-making in order to promote their well-being or protect them from harm. While sometimes justified in certain situations, this is generally seen as morally problematic in bioethics because it involves limiting a person’s freedom of choice.

The double effect principle

e allows for an action that has two outcomes—one good and one bad—under specific conditions. The action is considered morally acceptable if the good effect is intended, and the bad effect is an unintended side effect that is not disproportionate to the good.

Human dignity

refers to the inherent worth of every human being and the respect that should be afforded to individuals based on their humanity. This concept is foundational in bioethics, as it informs debates about issues like euthanasia, abortion, and human experimentation.

Ethical pluralism

is the recognition that there are multiple valid moral perspectives and ethical frameworks, and that ethical decisions should take into account diverse viewpoints. It acknowledges that there may not be one single correct answer to moral questions, but instead, different ethical systems can provide legitimate insights.

Social

In addition to being individual beings, human persons are inherently ______. The Catholic view holds that humans are called to live in community and relationships with others, especially within the family and society. Medical ethics, therefore, must not only focus on the individual but also consider the broader social implications, such as how healthcare decisions affect the common good.

Final Goal

From the Catholic perspective, human life is oriented toward a ___________—eternal life with God. This transcendent goal shapes the way Catholics view suffering, death, and medical decisions. While medical ethics must address immediate concerns like health and well-being, it must also keep in mind the ultimate purpose of human existence: to live in accordance with God's plan.

human person

The ___________is a unity of body and soul, created in the image of God, with inherent dignity.

Free will; Moral agency

____________ and __________ are key components of the person, and healthcare decisions must respect patients' autonomy and moral responsibility.

Social Dimension

of the person necessitates considering the broader impact of healthcare decisions on society.

sanctity of life.

One of the primary normative concepts in Catholic medical ethics is the ____________. According to Catholic teaching, human life is sacred from conception until natural death because every person is created in the image and likeness of God. This principle strongly influences Catholic views on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.

• Key Concept: Human life is inherently valuable and must be respected and protected at all stages.

principle of human dignity

Closely linked to the sanctity of life is the _________, which asserts that every person possesses intrinsic worth due to being created by God. Human dignity must be respected in all aspects of healthcare, and this respect forms the foundation of Catholic bioethics.

The principle of the common good

holds that the well-being of the individual must be considered in the context of the well-being of society as a whole. This concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within society and the moral obligation to consider how medical decisions impact the broader community.

The principle of subsidiarity

holds that matters should be handled at the most local level possible, without unnecessary interference from higher authorities. In medical ethics, this principle suggests that decisions about an individual’s care should primarily involve the patient and their immediate healthcare providers, with higher authorities intervening only when necessary

The principle of solidarity

focuses on the moral obligation of individuals and communities to support one another, particularly the vulnerable and those in need. This principle is central to Catholic teachings on social justice and is crucial for understanding medical ethics in a societal context.

The principle of double effect

is a traditional moral principle used to justify actions that have both good and bad consequences. In medical ethics, this principle is often invoked in situations where a medical intervention may have unintended harmful effects, such as the risk of death in a life-saving procedure. The principle holds that if the good effect is morally permissible and the bad effect is unintended, the action may be justified.

The principle of proportionality

involves balancing the benefits of a particular action against the potential harms or burdens. In medical decision-making, this principle helps determine whether a treatment or intervention is justified based on the severity of the situation and the expected outcomes.

conscience

The chapter also highlights the role of __________in medical ethics. Catholic teaching holds that individuals have the duty to form their consciences according to moral truth and to act in accordance with their conscience, especially in decisions related to healthcare. Makes sure actions align with moral principle