Biomedical Ethics Ch2- Summary

The moral life is dynamic, involving assertions and challenges to moral theories and statements.
Moral Theories: Attempt to define rightness and goodness, asserting principles that guide moral action.
- Utilitarianism: Right actions produce the greatest happiness for all concerned.
- Divine Command Theory: Actions commanded by God are considered right.
Moral judgments often occur without recognizing the underlying moral theory guiding them.

Moral theories serve a role similar to scientific theories by explaining causes and justifying actions.
They help in assessing moral values and informing choices, particularly in bioethics.
Theories are categorized as:
- Theories of obligation: Focus on right and wrong actions.
- Virtue-based theories: Focus on the moral character of individuals.
Effective moral reasoning involves critical engagement with moral theories to evaluate their applicability in real-life situations.

Morality relies on both general moral principles and specific judgments about cases.
Considered judgments must be consistent with the relevant moral theory to ensure coherent decision-making.
Fallibility: Recognize that moral judgments can be flawed, necessitating reevaluation and correction based on moral theories.

Consequentialist Theories: Rightness is determined by outcomes of actions (e.g., utilitarianism).
Deontological Theories: Rightness is based on adherence to rules or duties, irrespective of consequences (e.g., Kantian Ethics).
Natural Law Theory: Right actions conform to moral standards revealed through nature and reason.
Contractarianism (Rawls): Focuses on principles of justice derived from fair agreements among individuals.
Virtue Ethics: Emphasizes the importance of moral character and virtues in determining right action.
Feminist Ethics: Advocates for women’s rights while emphasizing relational aspects of moral decision-making.

Various moral theories can inform and critique ethical dilemmas encountered in bioethics, such as euthanasia, consent, and healthcare decisions.
The doctrine of double effect is used in moral reasoning, particularly in decisions involving ending suffering versus causing harm.

Criteria for adequacy include:
- Consistency with considered moral judgments.
- Consistency with the facts of moral life.
- Resourcefulness in solving moral problems.
A robust moral theory should help in understanding and resolving ethical dilemmas effectively, acknowledging both general principles and specific cases.