Overview of Ethics and Ethical Fallacies

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Questions and Answers

Which principle emphasizes preventing harm and reducing harm?

Justice

Autonomy

Non-maleficence (correct)

Beneficence

Patient consent is necessary for all forms of disclosure.

False

What is the greatest happiness principle associated with?

John Stuart Mill

The ______ principle focuses on being fair in the distribution of risks and benefits.

Justice Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical principles with their descriptions:

Autonomy = Respect for a patient's decision-making ability Beneficence = Acting for the benefit of others Non-maleficence = Avoiding harm to patients Justice = Fair distribution of benefits and risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases must be reported to WHO?

Cholera Signup and view all the answers

Disclosure of patient information can continue after the patient's death.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should be kept to a necessary minimum during disclosure?

Information Signup and view all the answers

The introduction of ethics teaching followed the ______ Report in 1986.

Pond Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory focuses on the consequences of actions?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What does normative ethics focus on?

The act itself, the person performing it, and its consequences Signup and view all the answers

Ethical arguments are only based on deductive reasoning.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the doctrine of dual effect?

The principle that a harmful effect is inseparable from a good effect, where the good effect outweighs the bad effect. Signup and view all the answers

Ethics defines what is good for individuals and ______.

society Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of ethical reasoning with their descriptions:

Top down deductive = Applying one ethical theory consistently Bottom up inductive = Creating guidelines from past experiences Meta-ethics = Exploring fundamental ethical questions Applied ethics = Addressing specific realms of human action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ethical fallacy?

Begging the question Signup and view all the answers

Laws always cover every ethical eventuality.

False Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes morality from ethics?

Morality concerns the distinction between good and evil, while ethics is a system of moral principles. Signup and view all the answers

The role of facts in ethical decision-making is that ethical decisions cannot be made without knowing the ______.

facts Signup and view all the answers

What does applied ethics deal with?

Specific realms of human action Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Ethics

Ethics is the study of human values, right conduct, and morality.
Ethical arguments can be top-down, applying a specific theory to a problem, or bottom-up, using past cases to create guidelines.
Morality deals with the difference between good and evil, while ethics is a system of principles defining good for individuals and society.
The Doctrine of Double Effect: a harmful effect is acceptable if it's inseparable from a good effect, the act is good, and the intention is good.
Meta-ethics explores the nature of ethics and moral reasoning.
Normative ethics determines moral behavior, focusing on the act, actor, and consequences.
Applied ethics examines specific areas like medicine and the environment.
Ethical decisions need facts. Some theories require calculations based on facts.

Ethical Fallacies

Ad hominem: attacking a person's character instead of their argument.
Authority claims: asserting correctness based on someone's authority.
Begging the question: assuming the initial point of an argument.
Dissenters: disagreeing does not prove a claim is invalid.
Misrepresenting arguments/suppressing opposing views to avoid discussion.
Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential in medical practice.
Disclosure is allowed in cases of legal requirements, notifiable diseases, regulatory body orders, patient consent, public interest, serious communicable diseases, and serious crimes.
Disclosure criteria involve anonymity (where possible), patient consent, minimum disclosure, and adherence to data protection laws.
Confidentiality extends to after death.
Certain diseases (like cholera, yellow fever, plague) are notifiable to WHO.

GMC "Duties of a Doctor"

Protect and promote the health of patients and the public.
Provide high standards of practice and patient care.
Recognize and respect limits of medical competence.
Collaborate with colleagues to serve patients' best interests.
Treat every patient as an individual, respecting patient dignity.

The Four Principles

Autonomy: Respecting patient decisions when they have capacity. Patient's right to self-determination.
Beneficence: Doing what is good and beneficial to others; balancing risks and benefits.
Non-maleficence: Preventing or reducing harm.
Justice: Fair distribution of risks and benefits; balancing need and benefit.

Ethical Theories

Utilitarianism/Consequentialism: Maximizing overall good and minimizing harm (e.g., Act, Rule, Hedonistic, Preference).
Deontology: Morality is inherent, regardless of consequences ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you").
Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the character of the person, not specific actions.
Kantianism: Morality determined by rule adherence (e.g., categorical imperatives).

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ethics, including various ethical theories and the Doctrine of Double Effect. It also delves into ethical fallacies, providing examples of common logical errors in ethical arguments, such as ad hominem attacks. Test your understanding of how ethical principles are applied in real-world scenarios.