200 WORDS FOR EACH QUESTION
- Dr. Lily Smith has three patients who come into her hospital. One is Mohamed, who needs his tonsils removed. Otherwise, he’s in perfect health. The other patients are Juan, Abdi, and Gary. Juan needs a heart transplant; Abdi needs a kidney transplant; Gary needs a liver transplant. Without these transplants, all three will die. Dr. Smith considers the possibility of killing Mohamed and giving his organs to Juan, Abdi, and Gary. Do you think Dr. Smith, a utilitarian, will decide to kill Mohamed and give his organs to Juan, Abdi, and Gary? Why or why not? Make sure you fully explain utilitarianism and then apply it to this situation.
- The principle of autonomy is very important. Yet, other principles can be used to limit this principle. First, define autonomy and explain why it is important. Then, define and explain two principles that limit autonomy. Be sure to explain why they can be used to restrict autonomy.
- In January of 2015, many children contracted measles after visiting Disneyland in California. Even though the measles vaccine is required by law, many families had “opted out” of vaccinating their children. Think about the different moral principles involved in this situation. Identify 3 different principles that this case brings up (they can be the ones identified in the lecture on Major Moral Principles). Define these principles and explain how each of them might suggest a different course of action. One thing I will look for in your answer is for you to explain how different principles conflict and may suggest different approaches to this situation.
- Dr. Camille is working on better understanding the deadly disease Ebola. Due to the seriousness of this problem, she recruits patients to her study who currently have Ebola and studies the progression of the disease. During her study, a new treatment for Ebola is discovered. What should Dr. Camille do? Should she continue her study and deny treatment to her participants or should she continue to seek greater understanding of Ebola to help others? In your answer draw on a specific moral theory (for example, Kantianism, natural law/moral theory, virtue ethics, capabilities approach. Be sure you select a THEORY– NOT a moral principle). Explain how this moral theory should guide Dr. Camille’s decisions. Be sure to thoroughly explain the moral theory you draw upon in your answer. Please compare/contrast this case with the Tuskegee Syphilis study.
- What are the legacies of the Tuskegee Study? In other words, what long term effects did the Tuskegee Study have that can be seen today? First, explain the Tuskegee study and then mention at least two different legacies. Be sure to explain why the Tuskegee Study had those effects.
- George is happily married to his wife, Amal. They are both Roman Catholics. George and Amal already have four children and it is becoming a struggle to pay the bills each month. George decides he will sneak off to have a vasectomy without telling Amal because he doesn’t want to make her upset. George asks you what you think about his plan. Use either Natural Law/Moral Theology OR Kantian Ethical theory to explain why you think George should NOT do this. Be sure to clearly define your theory and then apply it to this case.
MEDICAL ETHICS