1. Introduction to Bioethics Introduction Lesson 1

2. Do Now Homework Define ethics and bioethics. What’s the difference? Pandemic Flu?

3. What is Ethics? Ethics is used (in its simplest form) everyday! “What ought I do today?” “How should I act?” How do we decide what to do when people disagree about a complex issue?

4. Ethics Definition At your tables… list 10 characteristics of what you think ethics is! For example: “Ethics….Seeks to determine what a person should do, or the best course of action, and provides reasons why.” “Ethics addresses questions.”

5. Ethics Definition At your tables… list 10 characteristics of what you think ethics is! Now create a working definition of the term ethics! You may use some or all of the characteristics of ethics that you listed!

6. History of Ethics Today, ethics is one of the main branches of philosophical study. It is a systematic, formal inquiry into the nature of right and wrong actions. The most common goal of ethics is to discover universal moral rules. In order to achieve this goal, ethicists (philosophers who study and apply ethics) often explore the nature of “the good” for human beings. The word ethics is derived from the Greek word ethos, which translates to “disposition” or “spirit of the community.” With discoveries from ancient China, ancient India, and ancient Mesopotamia, it is clear that moral codes have existed at least as long as writing itself. But, the first formal ethical theories belong to Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These ethical theories were the first attempts to establish standards of human conduct based on rational arguments. What set these theories apart from all those that came before, was that each tried to establish standards based on rational arguments, rather than faith, superstition, consensus, or convention. Since the time of the ancient Greek philosophers, ethics has assumed a very important role in philosophical study and many philosophers today still devote their careers to its study.

7. Thales of Miletus 640 BC 1 st titled philosopher Earth was a mass floating on water. Socrates 469- 399 BC Contemplated the meaning of “self” Often exposed the errors of men who claimed to have wisdom Was sent to trial and sentenced to death by poison Democritus 460-370 BC Theorized about “atomism” Believed a man’s conscience is the only thing that could determine right from wrong Plato 428-347 BC Student of Socrates Wrote 26 dialogues on philosophy Earliest were memoires of Socrates that led up and through his trial Labeled as one of the most important thinkers of the ancient world Aristotle 384-322 BC Student of Plato Taught Alexander the Great Was accused of teaching dangerous teachings and was exiled Believed that supreme good consists of contemplation and action combined, and virtue is the gold between the 2 vices ? Archimedes 287-212 BC Labeled as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time Set attacking ships on fire with an array of mirrors Was killed during an invasion by Romans (Roman’s were ordered not to kill the great mind of Archimedes) Great Ancient Greek Philosophers:

8. Based on the history of ethics… Does our definition of ethics fit the description in the history of ethics? Is there anything that we should change?

9. What is Bioethics? What is the difference (if any) between ethics and bioethics?

10. What is Bioethics? What is the difference (if any) between ethics and bioethics? Using the previous definition of ethics… come up with a working definition of bioethics.

11. Practice Activity By yourself, identify at least 3 instances you thought ethically. Be able to reason why you think it was an ethical situation.

12. BIOETHICAL ISSUE: Is it ethical for people to get enhancements?

13. Think about it…. Pain is one of the most common personal experiences which virtually all humans can have during their lifetime. It is a subjective occurrence which often cannot be easily quantified and compared between individuals since it appears that each individual looks at his or her pain in their own way. Pain may be viewed by the affected individual in the context of the source of the pain, the intensity, the disability and the effect the individual's disability from the pain on others including his or her loved ones and the possibility for resolution of the pain either spontaneously or with help. In addition, religious or spiritual interpretations can be given to one's pains and how the individual responds may depend on how the individual looks at and accepts these interpretations. The medical profession in modern and post-modern times, with availability more and more tools or approaches to try to relieve pain, has looked at pain as a symptom needing to be treated by these tools and either substantially relieved or eliminated. Most patients look to their physicians to do just that. And many ethical issues have involved conflicts regarding pain and suffering and pain management. But do all patients find that relief of pain is a good action? And if not, why not? What Does Pain Mean to You? Is Relief of Pain Always a Good Thing?

14. PANDEMIC FLU

15. Pandemic Flu Read through the handout Make your own choices about the distribution of the vaccine Meet in small groups and discuss your answers, and fill in the chart based on your discussion You do NOT need to all agree on the table Take note of the differences of the viewpoints and opinions

16. Common Approaches Save the youngest Maximizing the life span for the greatest number of people Draw straws Values fairness Save the weakest Considers the special needs of vulnerable populations Save the most useful Saving someone who has special knowledge and/or may be able to save others benefits a larger number of people Respect relationships Honoring the dignity of human beings includes acknowledging their relationships

17. THE NEED FOR FACTS

18. Don’t forget… It is important to examine the facts available Assess what additional information is needed How much information did you get in the Pandemic Flu scenario? What other information might be helpful to inform your decisions?

19. What if…? The senior citizen is primary caretaker for eight of her grandchildren? The mother refusing treatment is in her 60s. The son is in his 40s? The doctor is a podiatrist? The woman who thinks she is pregnant has been married to the orderly for about a year. They have no children.

20. WHAT IS AN ETHICAL QUESTION? Part II

21. What is an ethical question? Often involve the words “ought” or “should,” implying a difficult decision must be made. There are several alternate solutions, none of which are without some challenging or problematic aspect. Contain conflicting moral choices and dilemmas, and the underlying values of the people involved may clash. Have no right or wrong answer which satisfies all parties, but better or worse answers based on well-reasoned justifications.

22. Be careful… Not ALL questions with the word “should” are ethical questions Ex. “Should I bring my umbrella today?” …not really an ethical question. Doesn’t meet the criteria.

23. Which of these are ethical questions? A. Is it legal to sell human kidneys in the United States? B. How does a kidney function inside the body? C. What does my religion say about whether or not it is acceptable to donate a kidney? D. Are same-sex marriages constitutional? E. Do kidneys taste good?

24. Other types of questions Legal: Questions ask what the law says about a particular issue Scientific Questions can be explored through scientific inquiry and observation. Rely on empirical and measurable evidence Religious/Cultural Questions ask what would be in line with a particular belief or practice, or the common practices of a particular culture Personal Preference Questions relate directly to the speaker Often modified by cultural bias

25. What are these questions? A. Is it legal to sell human kidneys in the United States? B. How does a kidney function inside the body? C. What does my religion say about whether or not it is acceptable to donate a kidney? D. Are same-sex marriages constitutional? E. Do kidneys taste good?

26. Let’s practice… Practice Sheet #1: Identify the type of question (might fall under more than one category), and give your reasoning Practice Sheet #2: Come up with 3 of your own questions for each scenario blurb Classify each of your questions Practice Sheet #3: For each scenario, identify one or more ethical questions.

27. Practice Sheet 1 QuestionEthical, Religious/Cultur al, Legal, Other Reason Under what conditions should people be kept artificially alive? Ethical, ReligiousCan be answered by moral reflection related to what it means to be a “person” and who should have responsibility for someone else’s life. Can also be influenced by religious beliefs. What type of diet allows for the best athletic performance? ScientificCan be answered by scientific analysis and testing. Is killing someone always illegal? LegalCan be answered by examining the law. Is killing a murderer justified? EthicalAsks us to consider what is fair when a life has been taken by another.

28. Practice Sheet 1 (cont.) QuestionEthical, Religious/Cultur al, Legal, Other Reason What is the most appropriate way to worship? ReligiousDepends on religious and/or spiritual views Should people be able to select the sex of their child in advance? EthicalAsks us to consider how much control we should have over natural biological processes. How can a child’s sex be determined in advance of their birth? ScientificAsks us about a technical process for determining the sex of a child.

29. Practice Sheet 1 (cont.) QuestionEthical, Religious/Cultur al, Legal, Other Reason How should we decide who receives organ transplants? EthicalCan be answered by considering the value we place on the lives of different individuals, as well as considering what is fair. At what age should people marry? Religious/culturalAsks about cultural convention. Religious teachings may also have bearing on the question. Are same-sex marriages constitutional? LegalAsks us about whether a practice is legal according to our constitution. What ice cream flavor should I buy? OtherThis question is a matter of personal preference even though the word “should” is present.

30. Practice Sheet 2 ScenarioQuestions that arise from the scenario Type You are driving over the speed limit because you need to take someone to the hospital who is in need of urgent care. 1.How fast over the speed limit can you legally go? 2.How fast do people usually drive over the speed limit? 3.Is it acceptable to risk harming others in order to benefit one who is clearly in need? 1.Legal 1.Cultural 1.Ethical Your brother/sister is very ill and needs medication you cannot afford, so you steal it. 1.What kind of illness does your sibling have? 2.Why is the medication not affordable? 3.Is it ever right to steal, even if you have a great need? 1.Scientific 1.Cultural/other 1.Ethical

31. Practice Sheet 2 (cont.) ScenarioQuestions that arise from the scenario Type Your friend wants you to try performance- enhancing drugs. 1.What are the effects of the drugs on your body? 2.Is it fair to others if you are taking them and competing? 3.Are the drugs legal? 1.Scientific 1.Ethical 1.Legal You apply for a job and the employer requests access to your health records, including genetic tests you may have had. 1.How does a genetic test work? 1.Who should have access to your healthcare information? 2.Is it legal for an employer to use genetic test information in hiring? 1.Scientific 1.Ethical 1.Legal

32. Practice Sheet 3 ScenarioEthical Questions that Arise from the Scenario Your classmate asks to see your homework because he/she didn’t finish his/hers. Should you or should you not let him/her? Is it fair to the others in the class? What harm can it cause to you or others? Your classmate asks to see your homework because he/she didn’t finish his/hers. He/she was in the hospital all night with his/her sick mother. Is it fair to let someone copy your homework, even if that person had difficult personal circumstances? Your classmate asks to see your homework because he/she didn’t finish his/hers. You have previously asked him/her for his/her homework and you two are friends. Should you let someone copy your homework if you have asked for his/hers? What are your duties to your friend? You need to decide whether to kill one person to save the lives of many people. Is it ever right to kill someone? Does it matter that you will save many lives if you kill one?

33. Entry 2: Find a Bioethical Issue Identify the ethical question behind the article. Choose a position Choose ONE side. Support your position. DO NOT be wishy-washy. Present the facts that support your side. Is this ethical? Why or why not? What would it do to society? Who is it available to? What makes this an ethical question? Revisit the criteria for an ethical question. How does this article and the question involved meet those criteria?