Chapter 1. Introduction to Ethics and Bioethics
- John Bryant Professor2,
- Dr Linda Baggott la Velle3,
- Revd Dr John Searle4
Published Online: 18 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0470846593.ch1
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Bioethics for Scientists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Reiss, M. J. (2002) Introduction to Ethics and Bioethics, in Bioethics for Scientists (eds J. Bryant, L. B. la Velle and J. Searle), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/0470846593.ch1
Editor Information
- 2
School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- 3
Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 4
Exeter & District Hospice, Exeter, UK
Publication History
- Published Online: 18 APR 2002
- Published Print: 31 MAR 2002
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471495321
Online ISBN: 9780470846599
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- bioethics;
- consequentialist;
- ethics;
- GM;
- decision-making;
- deontological;
- morals;
- science;
- utilitarian
Summary
Ethics is the systemisation of how we decide about right and wrong; morals are the practical outworkings of ethical systems. There is no single way in which ethical debates about almost any matter can unambiguously be resolved; but not all ethical arguments are equally valid. Ethical conclusions need to be based on reason, take into account established ethical principles and be based, so far as possible, on consensus. A common position in ethics is consequentialism, in which the outcome of an action is the main criterion for decision-making, and within that, utilitarianism which considers the sum of human happiness, pleasure or well-being. By contrast, deontological thinking ascribes intrinsic rightness or wrongness to particular actions. In biotechnology and modern medicine, both intrinsic and consequentialist arguments for and against their deployment can be advanced. Deciding whether or not particular instances of modern biotechnology and biomedical science are acceptable means looking in detail at individual cases.