Page 1: Introduction to Ethics

Overview

• Definition of ethics and morality.

• Ethics relates to the principles governing behavior within a profession or group.

Page 2: Reference

Resource Link

• Goethe Institute Link

Page 3: Ethics vs Morality

Distinction

• Ethics: The study of moral principles, often called moral philosophy.

• Morality: Often used interchangeably with ethics, varies in definitions across different theories.

• Complexity of defining morality; no simple consensus exists.

Page 4: Baby Theresa Case

Background

• Baby Theresa born with anencephaly in Florida, 1992.

• Brain structure missing (cerebrum, cerebellum); some basic brain stem functions.

• High mortality rate among anencephalic infants.

Page 5: Organ Donation Request

Parents' Decision

• Parents offered Theresa's organs for transplant considering her inevitable death.

• Medical agreement to the proposal.

• Florida law prevents organ removal until death is declared.

Page 6: Ethical Debate

Controversy

• Divided opinions on organ donation; parents and physicians support it.

• Most ethicists oppose, citing moral principles against using individuals as means to an end.

• Emphasis on providing arguments and reasoning in ethical discussions.

Page 7: Benefits Argument

Ethical Argument Structure

• Premises supporting the transplantation of Theresa's organs:

  • P1: We should help if no harm results.

  • P2: Transplanting would help others without harming Theresa.

• Conclusion: We ought to transplant her organs.

Page 8: Evaluation of Harm

Consideration of Harm

• Debate on whether Theresa would be harmed by her death.

• Argument that lack of awareness means her death holds no negative value.

Page 9: Validity of Arguments

Understanding Validity

• Definition of a valid argument.

• Structure example indicating if premises lead to true conclusions.

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Page 11: Invalid Argument Example

Disallowed Logic

• Example showing invalid argument structure; premises do not guarantee conclusion.

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Page 13: Soundness of Arguments

Definition of Soundness

• A sound argument is valid and has true premises.

• Example of a valid but unsound argument demonstrates this principle.

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Page 16: Sound Argument Example

Valid and Sound Argument

• Premise about dogs leading to a true conclusion.

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Page 19: Argument Evaluation

Analyzing Two Arguments

1. All mammals are animals.

2. Killing to save someone is always wrong; using Theresa's organs is wrong.

Page 20: Ethical Principles

The Use of People as Means

• Examining the ethical principle regarding using individuals for others' gains.

• Discussion on autonomy in context.

Page 21: Autonomy Consideration

Relationship to Theresa

• Argument on whether Theresa's autonomy is violated by organ removal.

Page 22: Wrongness of Killing Argument

Ethics on Killing

• Validity of argument stating it is wrong to kill to save another.

• Examination of premises.

Page 23: Exception to the Wrongness of Killing

Exceptions in Ethics

• Consideration of circumstances where killing may be justified.

• Factors such as consciousness, existence, and life potential.

Page 24: Redefinition of Death

Legal Context of Death

• Historical definition of death based on heart cessation versus brain function.

• Impact of definitions on organ transplantation.

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Same as Above

• Reinforced concepts regarding the redefinition of death.

Page 26: Anencephaly and Brain Death

Definition Challenges

• Clarification on the definition of brain death in relation to anencephalic infants.

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Page 28: Ethical Reassessments

Arguments for Anencephalics

• Proposal to consider anencephalics as brain dead; implications for organ donation legality.

Page 29: Case Study: Jodie and Mary

Background on Jodie and Mary

• Conjoined twins with dire medical prognosis requiring separation surgery.

Page 30: Controversy of Surgery

Parental Ethics

• Parents' refusal based on religious beliefs against intervention leading to death.

Page 31: Arguments for Survival

Ethical Arguments Presented

• Argument supporting saving one life over none versus sanctity of life argument.

Page 32: Judges’ Decision and Ethical Implications

Soundness of Life Sanctity Argument

• Judges ruled against the argument due to specific ethical considerations and circumstances.