1. Bioethics What’s in a question?

2. What is “ethics”? Ethics: “the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions of a particular group or culture”

3. What is “Bioethics”? Bioethics: “a field of study concerned with the ethics and philosophical implications of certain biological and medical procedures, technologies, and treatments”

4. A classic bioethical decision One heart available  who should get it? 17-year old girl 40-year-old school principal 70-year-old woman

5. A classic bioethical decision One heart available  who should get it? 17-year old girl 40-year-old school principal 70-year-old woman

6. Basic Bioethics Principles RESPECT for persons Never treat someone as a mere means to your own goals 2 ways to show respect enable people to make their own choices do not undermine or disregard their choices

7. Basic Bioethics Principles HARMS and BENEFITS: Benefits are positive consequences Harms are negative consequences How can one minimize harms while maximizing benefits?

8. Basic Bioethics Principles JUSTICE: The even distribution of benefits and risks throughout society Is it fair?

9. Basic Bioethics Principles AUTHENTICITY: Achieving a goal in a manner consistent with what is valued & true to its nature

10. 4 Key Questions What is the Ethical Question? Moral sensitivity Distinguishing an ethical question from other types of questions

11. Kinds of Questions People often confuse an ethical question with other types of questions Legal Scientific Personal-preference

12. 4 Key Questions What are the Relevant Facts? Scientific facts important in providing link between ethics & biology Social Science facts are equally important (psychological, historical, economic, etc.)

13. 4 Key Questions Who or What Could Be Affected by the Way the Question Gets Resolved? Who are all the stakeholders (individuals, groups, institutions)? Affected physically, emotionally, economically?

14. 4 Key Questions What are the Relevant Ethical Considerations? Core and other ethical considerations (respect, minimizing harms while maximizing benefits, fairness)