philosophy ; ethics exam 1

ethics exam one

What is ethics?

The study of morality using the tools and methods of philosophy.

What is morality?

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

What is descriptive ethics?

The study of morality using the methodology of science (describing what people actually do).

What is normative ethics?

The search for, and justification of, moral standards or norms (prescribing what people should do).

What is bioethics?

Applied ethics focused on healthcare, medical science, medical technology, and biological research.

What do consequentialist theories say?

Rightness of actions depends solely on consequences.

What do deontological theories say?

Rightness of actions depends partly or entirely on intrinsic nature (the act itself, motive, etc.).

What is principlism?

A moral theory with multiple principles that must be weighed and balanced.

What is the principle of autonomy?

The right to make choices for yourself (self-determination).

What is the principle of nonmaleficence?

Avoid unnecessary harm.

What is the principle of beneficence?

Actively promote the welfare or good of others.

What is the principle of utility?

Produce the most favorable balance of good over bad for all concerned.

What is the principle of justice?

Treat people fairly and give them their due.

What is utilitarianism?

Right actions maximize the balance of good over bad consequences for everyone involved.

What is Kant’s categorical imperative?

Act only on maxims you can will as universal law.

What is Kant’s formula of humanity?

Treat people (including yourself) as ends in themselves, never merely as means.

What is natural law theory?

Right actions conform to moral standards discerned in nature through human reason.

What is Rawls’ veil of ignorance thought experiment?

In the original position, behind the veil of ignorance, people would choose equal basic liberties and fair distribution of goods.

What is virtue ethics?

Moral theory focusing on developing virtuous character.

What is a clinical trial?

A scientific study testing medical interventions.

What is a placebo?

An inactive substance used as a control.

What is blinding?

Method of concealing group assignment. Single = subjects don’t know. Double = both subjects and researchers don’t know.

What is randomization?

Assigning participants to groups by chance.

What is informed consent?

Voluntary agreement with full knowledge of risks, benefits, and alternatives.

What is competence?

Capacity to make informed decisions.

What is moral status (moral considerability)?

Whether and how beings deserve moral concern.

What’s the difference between direct and indirect duties?

Direct duties owed to the being itself ; indirect duties are concern for being because of others.

What are views of animal moral status?

No moral status, full moral status, partial moral status.

What is speciesism?

Bias toward one’s own species.

What is Peter Singer’s view of animals?

Rejects speciesism, advocates equal treatment and equal consideration of interests.

What is rationing?

Distribution of scarce medical resources.

What is QALY?

Quality-Adjusted Life Year, measuring both length and quality of life.

What are Rescher’s six criteria for organ allocation?

Likelihood of success, life expectancy, family role, potential future contributions, past contributions, other social value.

What is UNOS?

United Network for Organ Sharing, U.S. organ allocation system.

What is a drug?

A substance affecting body and mind.

What are main reasons for drug use?

Recreation, relief, socialization, self-medication, etc.

What is drug dependence?

Physical or psychological reliance.

What is legalization?

Making drugs lawful.

What is criminalization?

Making drugs illegal with penalties.

What is decriminalization?

Removing criminal penalties, possibly allowing civil fines.

What is the harm principle?

People should be free unless their actions harm others.

What is paternalism?

Restricting freedom for a person’s own good.

What is the difference between soft and hard paternalism?

Soft = intervene when choice isn’t informed/voluntary ; Hard = intervene even when it is.

What is legal moralism?

Laws can prohibit actions deemed immoral, even without harm.

What was Plato’s view on censorship?

Censorship may protect society, especially youth, from harmful ideas.

What was J.S. Mill’s argument on free speech?

Free expression is vital for truth-seeking, self-development, and progress.

What was J.S. Mill’s argument on free action?

People should be free in conduct unless it harms others.

What is the offense principle?

Government may restrict actions that seriously offend others, even without direct harm.