Biomedical Ethics Lecture and Exam Review

Vocabulary terms and definitions regarding biomedical ethics principles, examination structure, and theories of distributive justice as discussed in the lecture.

Autonomy

The right of competent individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives and healthcare, requiring decision-making capacity, adequate information, and freedom from coercion.

Beneficence

The obligation to act in ways that promote the wellbeing of others, summarized by the key idea "Do good."

Non-Maleficence

The obligation to avoid causing harm (physical, psychological, social, or financial), summarized by the key idea "First, do no harm."

Justice

The fair distribution of benefits, risks, costs, and resources, ensuring everyone is treated fairly and resources are distributed equitably.

Killing

Directly causing a person's death through an action, such as administering a lethal injection.

Letting Die

Allowing death to occur by withholding or withdrawing treatment, such as turning off life support.

Rule of Double Effect

A concept where an action with a good intended effect and a harmful but unintended side effect may be ethically permissible if the action itself is good/neutral, the good is intended, the bad isn't the means to the good, and benefits outweigh harms.

Utilitarian Theory

A distributive justice theory based on the core idea of maximizing overall benefit for the greatest number of people.

Libertarian Theory

A distributive justice theory focusing on individual freedom, personal responsibility, and minimal government interference.

Egalitarian Theory

A distributive justice theory focusing on equality, equal access, and equal opportunity for all individuals.

Communitarian Theory

A distributive justice theory focused on promoting the welfare and values of the community and the "common good."