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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of normative ethics?
What is the primary focus of normative ethics?
Which principle emphasizes the obligation to promote well-being?
Which principle emphasizes the obligation to promote well-being?
What is an example of a conversation stopper?
What is an example of a conversation stopper?
Which step is NOT part of the bioethical decision-making process?
Which step is NOT part of the bioethical decision-making process?
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What does the principle of Justice in bioethics refer to?
What does the principle of Justice in bioethics refer to?
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Which term describes offering only two options in a discussion, when more exist?
Which term describes offering only two options in a discussion, when more exist?
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What should be done after identifying an ethical issue in the decision-making process?
What should be done after identifying an ethical issue in the decision-making process?
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Which principle is reflected when recognizing the right of individuals to make their own decisions?
Which principle is reflected when recognizing the right of individuals to make their own decisions?
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What are intrinsic concerns primarily related to?
What are intrinsic concerns primarily related to?
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Which of the following best describes stakeholders in decision-making?
Which of the following best describes stakeholders in decision-making?
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What does the concept of 'hubris' in the context of technology development refer to?
What does the concept of 'hubris' in the context of technology development refer to?
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Which type of value primarily relates to social well-being and justice?
Which type of value primarily relates to social well-being and justice?
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What does consequentialism primarily focus on in ethical analysis?
What does consequentialism primarily focus on in ethical analysis?
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What is the main purpose of self-reflection in ethical decision-making?
What is the main purpose of self-reflection in ethical decision-making?
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Which of the following concerns highlights the importance of the common good in ethical deliberations?
Which of the following concerns highlights the importance of the common good in ethical deliberations?
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Which ethical theory asserts that the best action maximizes overall happiness for the greatest number of individuals?
Which ethical theory asserts that the best action maximizes overall happiness for the greatest number of individuals?
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What is the primary focus of ethical concerns in genome editing research?
What is the primary focus of ethical concerns in genome editing research?
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What does germline editing modify, leading to heritable changes?
What does germline editing modify, leading to heritable changes?
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What is a primary ethical concern related to clinical context in genome editing?
What is a primary ethical concern related to clinical context in genome editing?
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Which term describes the unethical practice of conducting research in countries with less stringent regulations?
Which term describes the unethical practice of conducting research in countries with less stringent regulations?
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What approach emphasizes preventing harm before implementing new technologies?
What approach emphasizes preventing harm before implementing new technologies?
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What are key considerations when developing genome editing policies internationally?
What are key considerations when developing genome editing policies internationally?
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Why is there a concern regarding discrimination in genome editing outcomes?
Why is there a concern regarding discrimination in genome editing outcomes?
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What question should policy makers ask regarding the risks of genome editing technologies?
What question should policy makers ask regarding the risks of genome editing technologies?
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What is the primary focus of power analysis in ethical discussions?
What is the primary focus of power analysis in ethical discussions?
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How does 'Form of Life' contribute to the understanding of technology?
How does 'Form of Life' contribute to the understanding of technology?
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Which elements are considered in life cycle analysis?
Which elements are considered in life cycle analysis?
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What role do personal identities play in the analysis of technologies?
What role do personal identities play in the analysis of technologies?
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What ethical concerns are associated with gene drive technology?
What ethical concerns are associated with gene drive technology?
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What is a prominent risk associated with the use of CRISPR technology?
What is a prominent risk associated with the use of CRISPR technology?
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What are traditional methods of population control prompted to evaluate?
What are traditional methods of population control prompted to evaluate?
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Which aspect is crucial for the ethical usage of biotechnologies like CRISPR?
Which aspect is crucial for the ethical usage of biotechnologies like CRISPR?
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What is an off-target mutation in the context of gene drives?
What is an off-target mutation in the context of gene drives?
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What ethical concern is associated with CRISPR therapies for Sickle Cell Disease?
What ethical concern is associated with CRISPR therapies for Sickle Cell Disease?
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Which societal implication was discussed regarding gene editing technologies?
Which societal implication was discussed regarding gene editing technologies?
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What potential benefit was discussed in relation to prenatal gene editing?
What potential benefit was discussed in relation to prenatal gene editing?
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What are intrinsic concerns related to gene drives?
What are intrinsic concerns related to gene drives?
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What is a critical assessment made during the class activity on prenatal gene editing?
What is a critical assessment made during the class activity on prenatal gene editing?
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What is a concern raised about the long-term monitoring of CRISPR therapies?
What is a concern raised about the long-term monitoring of CRISPR therapies?
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What was a focus of the discussions regarding ecological consequences of gene drives?
What was a focus of the discussions regarding ecological consequences of gene drives?
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Study Notes
Normative Ethics
- Normative Ethics focuses on how individuals should act based on morals.
- It provides a framework to assess actions as right or wrong and guides decision-making in moral dilemmas.
- It helps establish standards guiding laws, policies, and personal behavior.
Conversation Stoppers
- Ad Hominem Attacks criticize the person instead of the argument.
- Appeals to Authority rely on an authority figure instead of critical analysis.
- False Dilemmas present only two options when more exist.
- Defensive Postures refuse to engage in discussion.
Bioethics Principles
- Respect for Autonomy: acknowledging the right of individuals to make their own decisions.
- Beneficence: obligation to act in the best interest of others, promoting well-being.
- Non-Maleficence: duty to avoid harm to others.
- Justice: fair distribution of benefits and burdens, ensuring equity in access to healthcare and resources.
Bioethical Decision-Making Process
- Identify the Ethical Issue: define the central ethical dilemma.
- Determine the Facts: gather relevant and accurate information about the situation, including context and key details.
- Evaluate Applications: assess current and potential applications of the technology or decision, considering both immediate and long-term implications.
- Analyze Ethical Principles: identify relevant ethical principles and analyze their influence on potential decisions.
- Consider Modifications: explore potential adjustments or alternatives to the technology or decision.
- Assess Potential Impacts: identify stakeholders affected by the decision and analyze intrinsic and extrinsic concerns.
Lenses and Biases
- Self-Reflection: acknowledge personal experiences, beliefs, and values.
- Recognize Biases: identify how biases influence interpretations of ethical issues and decisions.
Key Ethical Analysis Terms
- Innovation Presumption: assuming that technological innovations are inherently beneficial.
- Stakeholders: individuals or groups with vested interest in a decision, including patients, researchers, policymakers, and community members.
- Types of Values: ethical, economic, social, and environmental values that can influence decision-making.
- Intrinsic Concerns: issues related to an individual's personal values and ethical principles.
- Extrinsic Concerns: issues related to the societal or environmental implications of actions.
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Common Concerns Related to Technology Development:
- Justice: fair access and treatment.
- Autonomy: respecting individuals' rights to make informed choices.
- EHS (Environmental Health and Safety): impacts of technology on public health and the environment.
- Hubris: overconfidence in technological capabilities without considering risks.
- Respect for Nature: acknowledging and valuing natural ecosystems.
Ethical Theories
- Consequentialism (Utilitarianism): morality of an action is determined by its outcomes or consequences. The best action maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of individuals.
Power, Forms of Life, & Life Cycle Analysis
- Power Analysis: examining who holds decision-making power, ensuring that marginalized voices are considered.
- Form of Life: understanding how specific technologies impact societal norms and ways of living, and how these technologies alter human relationships and interactions.
- Life Cycle Analysis: evaluates environmental and social impacts of a technology from development to disposal.
Personal Identities and Perspective in Bioethics
- Awareness of Diversity: recognizing that factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background shape diverse perspectives on bioethics, which can influence ethical analyses and decisions.
- Reflecting on Experiences: consider how personal experiences with health, technology, or policy may bias analysis.
Biotechnology Examples - Deliberate Extinction
- Uses advanced biotechnologies, such as gene drive technology and CRISPR to manage invasive species and restore ecological balance.
- Raises concerns regarding the ecological impact of gene drives, including potential biodiversity loss and irreversible changes to ecosystems.
- Emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement and the ethical consideration of the moral status of altered species.
Biotechnology Examples - Germline Editing
- Modifies reproductive cells (sperm, eggs, or embryos), resulting in heritable changes passed down to subsequent generations.
- Raises significant ethical and societal concerns regarding informed consent and the long-term effects on the human gene pool.
Ethical Concerns of Genome Editing in Humans
- Research Context: ethical concerns include informed consent, potential discrimination against individuals with genetic conditions, and long-term health impacts.
- Clinical Context: ethical considerations involve weighing the benefits of innovative treatments against the risks of unforeseen consequences, particularly concerning heritable changes, societal norms, equity in access to therapies and the potential for unintended societal consequences.
International Genome Editing Policies
- Ethics Dumping: conducting research or trials in countries with less stringent regulations, raising ethical concerns about exploitation and the protection of vulnerable populations.
- Global Citizen Input: The need for inclusive dialogue that incorporates diverse perspectives in the policy-making process.
The Precautionary Approach:
- Advocates for careful consideration and thorough review before implementing new technologies with potential risks.
- Emphasizes preventing harm rather than waiting for proof of damage.
- Key questions:
- Are there known intolerable risks associated with the technology?
- Do the potential benefits significantly address critical problems facing society?
- Could safer or more effective alternatives exist that would mitigate the associated risks?
Class Activities
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Gene Drives: explored the ecological consequences of gene drives, emphasizing their potential to alter ecosystems significantly, including off-target mutations.
- Examined the effects of gene drives on our form of life, and intrinsic and extrinsic concerns regarding the technology.
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CRISPR Gene Editing for SCD: Critically assessed the justification for the FDA's approval of therapies like CasgevyTM for treating Sickle Cell Disease using CRISPR technology.
- Discussed ethical considerations surrounding the approval process, including balancing benefits, patient consent, and long-term monitoring.
- Discussed societal implications of introducing gene editing therapies.
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Prenatal Gene Editing: examined the ethical implications of genetically modifying babies through prenatal gene editing.
- Discussed scenarios that might justify such interventions, focusing on genetic disorders and improving quality of life.
- Analyzed the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of correcting disease-causing mutations after birth.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of normative ethics and bioethics, focusing on how moral frameworks guide decision-making. Understand the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Test your knowledge on common conversational fallacies that can hinder ethical discussions.
