Introduction to the abortion issue:

Moral conflict between a woman’s right to choose vs. the fetus’s right to life.

When does human life begin?

• Some say at conception (religious view).

• Others say later, when there's consciousness, viability, or birth.

Arguments against abortion:

• Life begins at conception = abortion is murder.

• Every human has a right to life.

• Slippery slope: leads to devaluing life.

Arguments for abortion:

• A woman has autonomy over her body.

• In cases like rape or danger to mother, it may be justified.

• A fetus is not yet a “person” (depends on view).

Moderate positions:

• Abortion is sometimes morally allowed (e.g., rape, risk to mother).

• Viability (fetus can survive outside the womb) is often the line.

Lying

saying what’s false with intent to deceive.

Cheating

breaking rules to gain unfair advantage.

Breaking promises

not doing what you said you'd do.

Stealing

taking something that isn’t yours.

Nonconsequentialist

Some acts are always wrong, no matter the outcome.

Consequentialist:

The outcome determines if it’s right/wrong (e.g., lying to save a life might be okay)

Major aspects of sexuality:

• Emotional, physical, and moral dimensions.

• Impacts identity, relationships, and society.

Meaning & purposes (sex):

Love, reproduction, pleasure, bonding.

Premarital sex:

Controversial:

• Some see it as immoral (religious views).

• Others say it’s okay if it’s consensual and respectful.

Sex in nonlegal relationships:

Similar debate. Ethics may focus on love, respect, fidelity—not just legality.

Masturbation:

Often judged morally neutral, unless it harms someone psychologically or physically.

Pornography:

Ethical debate:

• Against: objectifies people, encourages unrealistic views.

• In favor: adult freedom, expression.

Prostitution:

• Arguments against: exploitation, degradation.

• Some argue for regulated, consensual sex work.

Sexual perversion:

• Term often used for “unnatural” acts, but many now reject that idea as judgmental.

• Modern ethics = focus on consent and harm, not “normality”.

What is bioethics?

Study of moral issues in medicine and life sciences.

Rights and obligations (patients & health workers):

• Right to info, privacy, respectful care.

• Obligation to do no harm, tell the truth, get consent.

Truth-telling & informed consent:

Doctors must give full info and get permission for treatments.

Intercultural bioethics:

• Different cultures have different values.

• Ethical care must consider cultural beliefs.

Confidentiality:

Doctors must protect patients’ private info.

Guilt & innocence in treatment:

Should all patients be treated equally? Even criminals?

Stem cell research:

Ethical debate about using embryos for research.

Rights & obligations in business:

• Workers have rights (fair pay, safety).

• Businesses must act fairly and honestly.

Two approaches:

• Classical view: Focus on profit only.

• Stakeholder view: Must care for workers, society, environment.

Moderate position:

• Profit and ethics can coexist.

Justice, truth & honesty:

Lying in ads or contracts is unethical.

Business issues:

Bribery, fraud, exploitation, discrimination.

Sexual harassment:

• Always unethical: violates dignity and workplace rights.

Global economy issues:

• Sweatshops, exploitation of developing countries.

Media ethics:

Report truth, avoid harm, protect sources, avoid bias.Enron scandal

Enron scandal:

Example of corporate greed and massive fraud.

Anthropocentrism:

Human-centered.

Ecocentrism:

Nature-centered.

Sustainability

Use resources without destroying them.

Nature and morality:

Should nature have rights? Or is it just a tool for us?

Our attitude toward nature:

Rooted in religious and cultural ideas (e.g., human dominance).

Arguments for using nature:

Human progress, survival, economic growth.

Basic Assumptions:

Humans can make moral choices.

Basic Principles:

Do good, avoid harm, respect others.

Individual freedom:

You’re free unless your actions harm others.

Suicide:

Controversial.

• Some say it's morally wrong (religion, duty to self).

• Others say people have autonomy over life/death.

Defense of the innocent:

• Killing to protect oneself or others may be justified.

War:

Ethical if it defends justice or innocent lives (just war theory).

Terrorism:

Always unethical: targets innocents intentionally.

Capital punishment:

• Arguments for: justice, deterrence.

• Against: risk of error, inhumanity.

Allowing someone to die:

Withholding treatment when recovery is impossible.

Mercy death (assisted suicide):

Patient requests help to die — ethically complex.

Mercy killing (euthanasia):

Killing someone to end suffering, without consent — often illegal and highly debated.