�An introduction to Bioethics
Ethics, Morality and Theory
Is ethics relative?
Darius, King of Persia…
“Summons Greeks to his court and asked them what they would take to eat the dead bodies of their fathers. They replied that they would not do it for any money in the world.
Later, in the presence of the Greeks , and through an interpreter, so that they could understand what was said, he asked some Indians, of the tribe called Callatiae, who in fact eat their parents’ dead bodies, what they would take to burn them. They uttered a cry of horror and forbade him to mention such a dreadful thing.”
- Herodotus (485-430 B.C.)
�Defining Theory�
Examples of Moral Theory
Utilitarianism
Kantianism
Liberal Individualism
Communitarianism
Ethics of Care
Ethical Theory…to Action
Theory
Principle
Rule
Action
Bioethics
Bioethics
What problems do we deal with…
Case 1: Jehovah's witness
Autonomy:
(Beauchamp and Childress)
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Justice
Case 2: Volleyball Player
Case 3: Pain relief in Hospice
Conclusion