Chapter 1, Vaughn, Moral Reasoning in Bioethics – Flashcards

The study of morality using tools and methods of philosophy.

The study of morality using the methodology of science.

The search for, and justification of, moral standards or norms.

The study of the meaning and justification of basic moral beliefs.

The use of moral norms and concepts to resolve practical moral issues.

In our moral practice, Moral norms are presumed to dominate other kinds of norms, to take precedence over them.

Moral norms (but not exclusively moral norms) have universality: Moral principals or judgements that apply in all relevantly similar situations.

Moral norms is the notion of impartiality--the idea that everyone should be considered equal, that everyone's interests should count the same.

To participate in morality--to engage in the essential, unavoidable practices of the moral life--is to do moral reasoning.

At first view.

Applies without exception.

1) Autonomy: -A person's rational capacity for self-governance or self-determination--the ability to direct one's own life and choose for oneself. 2) Beneficence: -We should do good to others and avoid doing them harm. 3) Utility: -We should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad for all concerned. 4) Justice: -Refers to people getting what is fair or is their due.

The overriding of a person's actions or decision-making for their own good.

The Idea that some moral standards are objective.

The belief that objective moral principals allow no exceptions or must be applied in the same way in all cases and cultures.

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Gives us good reasons to believe a claim: 1) Must have solid logic. 2) True premises.

Intended to give logically conclusive support to their conclusions so that if the premises are true, the conclusions must be true too.

Supposed to give probable support to their conclusions. If the premises are true, the conclusion is most likely true.

(1) At least one premise (premise 1) is a moral statement asserting a general moral norm such as a moral principle (2) at least one premise (premise 2) is a nonmoral statement describing an action or circumstance (3) the conclusion is a moral statement expressing a moral judgment about a specific action or circumstance.

Valid Forms: Affirming the Antecedent (Modus Ponens) If p. then q. p. Therefore, q. Example: If Spot barks. a burglar is in the house. Spot is barking. Therefore. a burglar is in the house. Denying the Consequent (Modus Tal/ens) If p, then q. Not q. Therefore, not p. Example: If it's raining, the park is closed. The park is not closed. Therefore, it's not raining. Invalid Forms: Affirming the Consequent If p, then q. q. Therefore. p. Example: If the cat is on the mat, she is asleep. She is asleep. Therefore. she is on the mat. Denying the Antecedent If p. then q. Not p. Therefore, not q. Example: If the cat is on the mat. she is asleep. She is not on the mat. Therefore, she is not asleep.

The straw man fallacy is the misrepresentation of a person's views so they can be more easily attacked or dismissed.

Rejecting of a statement on the grounds that it comes from a particular person, not because the statement, or claim, itself is false or dubious.

Tries to prove something by appealing to what we don't know.

The fallacy of begging the question is trying to prove a conclusion by using that very same conclusion as support.

Arguing that a particular action should not be taken because it will lead inevitably to other actions resulting in some dire outcome.