Week 2 319

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Applied Health Ethics lecture.

Moral Theory

A structured set of normative, coherent, and justifiable assertions explaining why an action is right or wrong.

Consequentialism

A moral theory where the rightness or wrongness of an action depends solely on its consequences.

Deontology

A moral theory where rightness is determined by adherence to rules or duties.

Utilitarianism

The moral framework that seeks to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Virtue Ethics

A theory where moral character is the basis for ethical behavior, focusing on virtues such as courage and honesty.

Rights Theories

The philosophical view that emphasizes the fundamental privileges and entitlements of individuals.

Natural Law

The belief that moral standards are derived from the nature of human beings and the world.

Principlism

An ethical framework based on basic moral truths guiding reasoning, such as justice and fairness.

Act Utilitarianism

Evaluating individual actions by their potential to maximize happiness.

Rule Utilitarianism

An ethical approach that evaluates the rightness of an action based on whether it follows rules that maximize happiness if generally adopted.

What are the Key Critiques of utilitariamism

measurement and distribution problem

Hypothetical Imperative

accessible through the exercise of instrumental reason

Categorical Imperative

They represent desirable things

Impartiality

The principle that each person's well-being counts equally.

Aggregation

The process of summing up harms and benefits across all affected individuals.

Flexibility

no act is inherently right or wrong; it depends on the context and consequences.

Forward-looking

moral reasoning projects into the future: “what would happen if we do this?”

Intrinsic Rightness

The concept that some actions are morally required or forbidden in themselves, regardless of outcomes.

Respect for Persons

The ethical principle stating that individuals should always be treated as ends in themselves, not merely as means.

Non-maleficence

The ethical principle of not causing harm intentionally.

Justice

The principle of fairness that advises treating like cases alike.

Confidentiality

The ethical duty to keep information private and respect patient autonomy.

Duty-based Ethics

Ethics that centers on duties and obligations rather than the consequences of actions.

Kant’s Deontological Ethics

it places absolute limits on what can be justified, even in the name of better outcomes