Bioethics

Ethics

• moral basis of human behavior

• best course of action in face of conflicting choices

Bioethics

• ethical issues about biology and its applications

• how to best use biomedical knowledge/innovation

• policies about medicine and treatment

Principles

• built upon values of many cultures

• unifies standards to support reasoning & decision making

Values

• qualities that signal what is important to a person

• basis for moral conduct

Respect for Autonomy

• respect inherent worth & dignity of each individual

• not treat as means to an end

No respect for autonomy

• treating person as object

• using person as tool to reach aim

Maximising benefits & Minimising harms

• minimise negative outcomes and increase positive outcomes

• directly help others and in best interests while doing no harm

Justice

• Treat people fairly and equitably

• sharing of resources, risks and costs according to what is due to each person

Equitable

more care to person with biggest stake