moral theories influential in history of bioethics

Moral Theoriesinfluential in history of bioethics

Remember: even though they have had influence – many are very

flawed.

What makes something right or wrong?

Consequentialist - an action is right or wrong based on consequences

Deontological (or nonconsequentialist) - the intrinsic nature of an action itself can be right or wrong

Consequentialist theories UTILITARIANISM: what produces the

‘greatest good’› What makes something a good result?

the greatest good is pleasure or ‘happiness’ = Hedonism

Greatest good is knowledge or perfecting to a certain standard

Utilitiariansism cont…. Act utilitarianism = rightness depends

on result of specific action Rule utilitarianism = the greater good

is a result of keeping rules and so one must follow rules for greater good (1000 units of happiness for 10 people is better than 900 units of happiness for the same 10)

(John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

Utilitiariansism cont…. How has/is utilitarianism applied to bioethics?

This is a frequent rationale for euthanasia› Act utilitarianism would say the person is no

longer suffering› Rule utilitarianism would say that this would

lead people to distrust doctors, motivations and unleash value judgments on the elderly and disabled etc…

N.B. (nota bene = note well): don’t rush to a decision – you have yet to hear all theories!!!)

Deontologicalism

De = of Onto = nature Logic = reason “Reason in the nature” of or “of

nature’s reason”

Kantian EthicsImmanuel Kant: Popular German philosopher - (1724-

1804)

Holds that morality consists in following rules that are universally applicable out of duty.

eg…you lie to someone to borrow money (can you answer that you think it is ok for everyone to lie in order to borrow money – if no, then you should not lie)

“categorical imperative”: Kant’s term for what he calls this universally accepted rule. An imperative is a command and categorical means is it without exception.

Kant continued… Kant would say if you believe it is

morally ok to kill all Ethopians …then that is your categorical imperative.

ABELARD: 13th century – morality is based on one’s intentions -

Abelard (12th century) Morality is based on your intention – if

you mean well

Abelard and Heloise

Virtue Ethics emphasizes the character of the moral

agent, rather than rules or consequences, as the key element of ethical thinking.

Proportionalism 1960’s attempt to find middle ground

between utilitarianism and deontologicalism -

says a proportionately greater good outweighs the bad - the lesser of the evils

(this theory has been condemned in Veritatis Splendor because an intrinsically evil act cannot change its nature because of intentions or circumstances)

Natural Law Theory (by the way – the Catholic Church promotes

this theory)

Maintains that right actions are those conforming to moral standards in nature through human reason

For 9 minute video clickhttp://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCVQJmKrkxo&NR=1

Moral Relativism There is no objective good or evil, right

or wrong. Idolatry of tolerance

Good but boring summaryof secular moral theories

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTsCJ2R8Bic&feature=related

So…. what IS truth?Who said “what is truth?” in Scripture?What was the answer?

Before we discuss what the Church teaches, what in all these moral sounds true to you?

What is the Church’s position

Morality of an act depends on

Object + Intention + Circumstances

See CCC 1749……

Morality of an act

circumstances

object

intention

God is judge The moral conscience (CCC – 1776 - …

“Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ.” John Henry Cardinal Newman, "Letter to the Duke of Norfolk," V, in Certain Difficulties felt by Anglicans in Catholic Teaching II (London: Longmans Green, 1885), 248.

Conscience cont….

What are the distinctions in the following terms:

Vincible ignorance vs. Invincible ignorance

Erroneous, doubtful and true conscience

Formation of conscience How is formation of conscience related

to bioethics?

Law An ordinance Of reason For the common good Promulgated by him who has care of

the community