Flashcards on Introduction to Medical Ethics
Introduction to Medical Ethics: Essential Guide for Students
Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate
Medical ethics - Core principles
212 cards
Card 1
Question: What is principlism in medical ethics?
Answer: An approach that applies general moral principles to specific cases to determine the right action, emphasizing rules and consequences; especially infl
Card 2
Question: Which four principles are central to principlism?
Answer: Respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Card 3
Question: Why might the four principles of principlism not be universal?
Answer: Their selection and the prioritisation of autonomy reflect Western liberal culture and may not apply across all cultures.
Card 4
Question: What is a major challenge when applying the four principles in practice?
Answer: They often clash in particular situations, requiring criteria or a process for resolving conflicts.
Card 5
Question: What does deontological ethics emphasize?
Answer: Following rules or duties when deciding what is right (implied in the combined approach description).
Card 6
Question: What does consequentialism emphasize?
Answer: Examining the likely consequences of alternative decisions and choosing the preferable outcomes.
Card 7
Question: What is virtue ethics and which virtues are highlighted for physicians?
Answer: Focuses on the character of decision-makers as reflected in behaviour; important virtues for physicians include compassion, honesty, prudence, and ded
Card 8
Question: Why is virtue ethics alone insufficient for guiding all medical decisions?
Answer: Even virtuous individuals can be unsure how to act in particular situations and can make wrong decisions.
Card 9
Question: What combination of approaches is proposed as the best way to make ethical decisions?
Answer: A blend of deontology, principlism, consequentialism, and virtue ethics: consider relevant rules and principles, examine consequences, and ensure admi
Card 10
Question: List the suggested process steps for making ethical decisions in medical practice.
Answer: 1) Determine if the issue is ethical. 2) Consult authoritative sources and respected colleagues. 3) Consider alternatives in light of principles and c