DEFINITION OF ETHICS TERMINOLOGY

Definition of terms:

1. Normative Ethics - A field of inquiry dealing with those principles which are worthy of moral acceptance and can be used as guides for actions. Utilitarianism and deontology are two schools of thought in this field.

2. Deontology (Formalist theory) - A theory in which rules and principles are right in themselves regardless of the consequences.

3. Utilitarianism (teleological theory) - A theory in which an action is morally right or wrong regardless of the consequences.

4. Formalism - The doctrine that acts are in themselves right or wrong regardless of the consequences.

5. Teleology - The doctrine that final causes exist; the belief that purpose and design are a part of or are apparent in nature.

6. Teleological argument - The argument for the existence of God based on the assumption that order in the universe implies an orderer and cannot be a natural feature of the universe.

7. Paternalism - An attitude that another needs to be protected from the consequences of his/her own actions. (Historically, it was assumed that the father was benevolent and beneficent in his paternalism.)

Basic Principles of Ethics:

1. autonomy - form of personal liberty of action where the individual determines action in accordance with a plan chosen by self (self-contained ability to decide).

   Some Issues: paternalism, competence, informed consent, suicide.

2. justice - equal right of basic liberties for all. To each person:
   1. an equal share
   2. according to individual need
   3. according to individual effort
   4. according to societal contribution
   5. according to merit
3. beneficence - one ought to do or promote good.

   Some Issues: informed consent, disclosure of information, refusal of treatment, autonomous suicide. Cost/Benefit: (arthritis vs. dialysis), paternalism.

4. nonmaleficience - one ought not to inflict evil or harm.

   Some Issues- professional-patient relationship, killing and letting die, optional and obligatory RX, competence.