Ethics, Bioethics, Utilitarianism, and Deontology Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering ethical terminology, bioethics principles, utilitarianism concepts, and deontological frameworks for Exam 1 preparation.

Normative Dominance

Moral norms are presumed to dominate other kinds of non-moral norms (ethics is more important than other things).

Universality

Moral norms (typically) have universality: moral principles apply in all relevantly similar circumstances.

Impartiality

The idea that everyone should be considered equal.

Reasonableness

Ethical judgments need to make sense of common intuitions.

Autonomy

Refers to a person's rational capacity for self-governance or self-determination.

Paternalism

The overriding of a person's actions or decision-making for her own good.

Weak Paternalism

Overriding the decision of someone who cannot currently make the decision for themselves.

Strong Paternalism

Overriding the decision of someone who is fully autonomous and in a rational mind.

Nonmaleficience

Do no intentionally or unintentionally inflect harm on others.

Beneficience

We should do good to others.

Utility (Bioethics)

We should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad (benefit over harm) for all concerned.

Justice

We should strive for people to get what is fair or what is their due.

Principle of Utility

States that an action is morally required because it is the most optimific.

Optimific

The most positive utility for the least negative utility for all concerned.

Utilitarianism (Definition)

An action is morally required beacuse it is the most optimific.

Utilitarianism (Focuses on)

Positive and Negative Consequence.

Utilitarianism (Morality)

Flexible: every action is right or wrong on a case by case basis. Nothing is ever off limits.

Greatest Good (Utilitarianism)

The biggest NET benefit (positive utility created minus negative utility created).

Greatest Number (Utilitarianism)

Produces the most overall net benefit for the persons involved - you can help fewer people as long as the utility weighs heavier on their side.

Deontology (Two Tests)

The Universal Law Formulation and the Formula of Humanity.

The Universal Law Formulation (Deontology)

Act in such a way that the maxim of your action could be willed as a universal law.

The Formula of Humanity (Deontology)

Act in such a way that you treat all other humans (including yourself) as an end and never as a mere means.

End

A person with autonomy, goals, and dignity worthy of respect and consideration because of their autonomy.

Mere Means

Using a person to achieve your own goals without respecting them as an end (not treating them with the respect they deserve).

Deontology (Focuses on)

The Moral Law - every action is always right or always wrong.

Deontology (Morality)

Right: every action is always right or always wrong.