Introduction to Bioethics, Powerpoint presentation
- 1. Introduction To Bioethics We know Bio = life Ethos = behavior/character ….but what is that really? Ethics is quite complicated. QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture. QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture. QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
- 2. How do you define Ethics? Many varied definitions… What does it mean to you? • Ethics - sometimes used as synonyms for “morally correct” or justified - set of justified moral principles of obligation, rights, and ideals • Ethics - can be particular beliefs or attitudes concerning morality • Ethics - area of study or inquiry – an activity of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues, and justifying moral judgments
- 3. Values, Morals, Ethics • Values signify what is important and worthwhile. They serve as a basis for moral codes and ethical reflection. • Morals are codes of conduct governing behavior. They are values put into practice as actions. • Ethics provide a systematic, rational way to work through dilemmas and to determine the best course of action in the face of conflicting choices.
- 4. Ethics is related to morals and values. What are moral values? What is morality? • Dictionary says – concerns right and wrong, good and bad, the rules that ought to be followed. • Latin MOS = custom • Morality – about reasons centered in respect for other people as well as ourselves, reasons that involve their good as well as our own. • Are everyone’s morals the same? (Guantanemo) • Different cultures? (Persian King) Different times? (slavery)
- 5. Tuskeegee Experiment QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture. This study began with good intentions; it shifted from being about helping those afflicted with the disease to becoming a study about the effects of untreated syphilis on live patients. • Free medical care, food and transportation, burial stipend (if autopsy was allowed), • 1932 to 1972 !! (penecillin invented in 1947 QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture. QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
- 6. Nazi experimentation and Eugenics movement • Nazi scientists and doctors did all sorts of experiments done, mostly on Jews, to show effects of freezing, poisons, head trauma, malaria, and others involving twin studies. • Eugenics was trying to make the genes of humans “better”, more “pure”.
- 7. DDTpesticide • Banned in U.S. • Concentrates in food chain (biological magnification • Nerve toxin • Causes cancer and other diseases • Silent Spring by Rachel Carson QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture. QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
- 8. Why is bioethics important? • Realization that ‘not everything goes’: – Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment (1932-1972) – Nazi human experimentation (Nuremberg Trials, 1945-1949) – Eugenics – DDT (Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’) • Scientists did not necessarily feel they were being unethical in these incidences at the time. • Therefore: need for justifications and shared guidelines
- 9. How are ethics and law related? Legal & Ethical Illegal & Ethical Illegal & Unethical Legal & Unethical
- 10. Developing a Well- Reasoned Response to a Moral Dilemma • Moral dilemmas are situations in which two or more moral obligations, rights, or ideals come into conflict with one another. • Figure out: Who are the stakeholders. What are the options? What are your justifications? Are they weak or strong reasons? • How does one decide whether a response is well- reasoned? What criteria apply? How can we reliably judge? QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
- 11. Roles of Codes of Conduct • Shared Standards • Positive Support to Act Ethically • Guidance Concerning Obligations • Motivation to be ethical • Education to be ethical • Deterrence to being unethical • Personal Discipline • Professional Image QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
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- 13. Basic Principles to be taken into consideration (can be at odds with each other) • Non-maleficience (do no harm) • Beneficence (do good) • Justice (be fair) • Truthfulness • Confidentiality (doctor/patient) • Autonomy (capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced decision) QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
- 14. How to solve an ethical problem…. • Consensus? – Based on reason – Genuine debate – Takes ethical traditions into account – Open to criticism, refutation and the possibility of change and exchange of ideas – It is not majority opinion as it often needs to protect the minority – Takes time – NOT SOLVED IN ISOLATION! QuickTime™ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
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- 16. What is an Ethical Question? And what is not? Ethical questions have the following components: • Ethical questions often involve the words ought or should. • There are several alternate solutions, none of that is without some challenging or problematic aspect.
- 17. • They contain conflicting moral choices and dilemmas, and the underlying values of the people involved may clash. • They have no right or wrong answer which satisfies all parties, but better or worse answers based on well- reasoned justifications.
- 18. Are the following questions of law, science, personal preference, culture, religion, or ethics? • a) Is it legal to sell human kidneys in the United States? • b) How does a kidney function inside the body? • c) What does my religion say about whether or not it is acceptable to donate a kidney? • d) Should individuals who donate a kidney choose who their organ should go to?
- 19. • e) What type of diet allows for the best athletic performance? • f) Is killing someone always illegal? • g) Should people select the sex of their child in advance? • h) Are same-sex marriages constitutional? • i) What is the most appropriate way to worship? • j) Do kidneys taste good?
- 20. Practicing Reasoning and Justification In-Class Discussions • How should we decide who receives organ transplants? • Should a terminally ill patient be allowed to end his/her life with physician- prescribed medication? • Who should get the limited flu vaccination? (worksheet)
- 21. Sample Cases • Small Group Discussion: – Using the sample cases provided, fill out the in-class discussion worksheet and write any comments on the back – After groups have completed this exercise, groups will report back to the class on their findings
- 22. After the cases, • can you define ethics and bioethics? • have you tried one approach to developing a well-reasoned response to a moral dilemma? • choose a bioethics topic and present information about it. Due Monday, January 14…see instructions with rubric