Biology Ethics

Match the term to its definition

• metathinking

• the study of ethical questions relating to biology and medicine

• bioethics

• the practice of reflecting on how we think and make decisions

• ethics

• the use of ethical theories in guiding decision-making

• applied ethics

• a working system of knowledge that helps us evaluate our actions, values, and beliefs

Which of the following most accurately describes the role of ethics in biology?

• Working in science involves making decisions that may impact a range of people. Ethics serves as a way of evaluating and exercising sound judgement

• Working in science involves justifying your ideas and thoughts. Ethics is a means of evaluating these ideas in terms of their likely accuracy and validity

Match

• virtues based

• ‘We should skip the final round of trials and release the vaccine to the public now. That way more people can be cured quickly and we can minimise the rate of infection.’

• consequences based

• ‘We should make sure the vaccine goes through all rounds of trials before releasing it to the public. Regardless of the rate of infection, it is our responsibility to ensure that the vaccine is safe.’

• duty/rule based

• ‘We should release the vaccine at a reduced price for people in low socioeconomic areas, as this is the kindest and most charitable thing to do.’

Assume someone is in danger and in need of help. Which of the following responses best distinguishes a virtues-based approach from a duty/rule-based approach?

• A duty/rule-based approach suggests that to help the person is your responsibility, whereas a virtues-based approach argues that to help them is to act with kindness and benevolence.

• A duty/rule-based approach suggests that to help the person is your responsibility, whereas a virtues-based approach argues that to help them is to save their life and maximise well-being.

Match the bioethical concept to its description

• justice

• scientists should ensure that they are removing as much harm as possible, and only risking harm to others if it is absolutely necessary

• integrity

• scientists should consider the fair application of and access to their research, including the positions of marginalised groups

• respect

• scientists should consider the intrinsic value of others as living beings, and give due consideration to their personal beliefs and values

• beneficence

• scientists should act with honesty and in the interest of progressing scientific knowledge

• non-maleficence

• scientists should act in the best interest of others, and aim to promote benefits to all who are involved in or impacted by their research

Match the key terms to the bioethics approach

• virtues based

• good, honest, caring

• consequences based

• obligation, responsibility, commitment

• duty/rule based

• outcomes, benefits, effects

An argument against bringing the wooly mammoth back is “ Don’t bring them back because it can disrupt ecosystems.” This explores the ethical concept of  

• Integrity

• Beneficence

• Non-maleficence

• Respect

Humans should leave the mammoths dead because we would be “playing God”. This uses which approach

• Consequence based

• Religion based

• Virtues based

• Duty based

If there is a private investor involved in a project, this could questions which ethical concept

• Respect

• Virtues based

• Integrity

• Non-maleficence

Stem cell research offers significant opportunities for the treatment of degenerative diseases; there are, however, several ethical issues that arise from this, including the argument that this could lead to discrimination against those who cannot afford the treatment. Stem cell treatment that results in discrimination is best described as a(n)

• social issue

• biological issue

• environmental issue

• legal issue