Transcript Principles of Biomedical Ethics

Principles of Biomedical
Ethics
By: Tom L. Beauchamp and James
F. Childress
Presented by: Chantel Bottoms
Edited By: Dr. Kay Picart
Aims of the Class
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
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
Discussion Questions
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
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?
Works Cited
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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.
<http://www.who2.com/karenannquinlan.
html>