Principles of Biomedical Ethics

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Principles of Biomedical Ethics

• By Tom L. Beauchamp and James F. Childress
• Presented by Chantel Bottoms
• Edited By Dr. Kay Picart

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Aims of the Class

• To examine aspects that make moral reasoning
  more complicated than the outmoded label
  applied ethics suggests (Beauchamp and
  Childress 40)
• To explore how the various components of ethical
  theory are found in real life
• To present the authors proposed coherence theory
  of justification

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Discussion Questions

• Are there times when a lesser level of
  complexity, than in the authors theory, might be
  more desirable?
• Does accepting reflective equilibrium make
  problem solving futile? Why is it worth the
  effort?
• People often choose action plans that conflict
  with rules or policies. Based on that, are rules
  ever really sufficient? Can one consider
  themselves free when faced with rules that may
  conflict with moral values?

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Works Cited

• Beauchamp, Tom L. and James F. Childress.
  Principles of Biomedical Ethics. New York Oxford
  University Press, 2004.
• Karen Ann Quinlan Famous medical patient.
  Who2. July 26, 2004. lthttp//www.who2.com/karenann
  quinlan.htmlgt