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Summary Bioethics Exam Questions (English)
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This document includes the exam questions for the course 'bioethics' (English).
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EXAM QUESTIONSOur approach to bioethics
1. What is meant by an ‘ethico-onto-epistemology’?
Ethico-onto-epistemology represents an innovative approach that intertwines ethics,
ontology, and epistemology to address complex ethical issues, particularly within the fields of
biology, biochemistry, and biomedicine. While conventional views of ethics often focus on
procedural matters such as regulations and consent forms, this approach delves deeper into
philosophical questions regarding acceptable harm, the balance of interests between
humans and non-human animals, and the underlying assumptions guiding scientific inquiry.
Interdisciplinary Nature of Bioethics
Bioethics, as highlighted by philosopher Onora O’Neill, serves as a convergence point for
various disciplines and organizations grappling with ethical, legal, and social challenges posed
by advancements in medicine, science, and biotechnology. This interdisciplinary nature
extends beyond the dialogue between ethicists and scientists, involving engagement with
other branches of philosophy such as metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy.
This holistic approach acknowledges the interconnections between ethical, ontological, and
epistemological inquiries in addressing practical dilemmas in the life sciences.
Challenging Traditional Philosophical Divisions
The traditional division of philosophy into theoretical and practical disciplines is questioned
within the context of ethico-onto-epistemology. While theoretical philosophy explores
fundamental questions about the nature of reality and knowledge, practical philosophy
delves into ethical, political, and social concerns. However, the boundaries between these
disciplines blur when considering bioethics, necessitating collaboration with philosophers of
science, metaethicists, and political scientists. This integration underscores the intrinsic
connection between ontological, epistemological, and ethical dimensions of inquiry.
Ontology: Conceptualizing Reality
Ontology plays a crucial role in ethico-onto-epistemology by prompting critical examination
of foundational concepts in scientific research. Questions about the nature of diseases, such
as autism, raise fundamental ontological inquiries regarding definitions, causality, and
societal perceptions. By scrutinizing these concepts, researchers can better understand the
implications of their work and communicate scientific findings effectively.
Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
The philosophy of science involves critical reflection on the nature of scientific inquiry,
including questions about what constitutes scientific knowledge and how scientific progress
occurs. Philosophers of science, such as Thomas Kuhn, challenge the idea of linear progress
in science and instead advocate paradigm shifts that fundamentally change scientific
understanding. Furthermore, feminist philosophers emphasize the influence of social and
political factors on scientific research, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in
shaping scientific knowledge. In essence, scientific research is influenced by both internal
and external factors, including social identity and cultural values. Recognizing the subjective
nature of scientific practice underlines the importance of diversity and inclusivity in scientific
,communities, as diverse perspectives can lead to a more comprehensive and objective
understanding.
Ethics: Exploring Moral Philosophy
Ethics, as outlined by Aristotle and Socrates, centers on the fundamental question of how
one should live, exploring concepts of good and evil, moral norms, the good life, and social
justice. Today, ethics primarily involves the study of foundational principles that underpin
norms and values, making it synonymous with moral philosophy. It encompasses descriptive
ethics, which examines morality through social sciences and psychology, and metaethics,
which delves into the nature of moral behavior and its origins. Additionally, ethics includes
normative branches: general normative ethics, which evaluates good and bad behavior and
seeks to establish moral principles, and applied ethics, which addresses specific moral
dilemmas within various contexts such as business ethics, media ethics, and bioethics.
In summary, ethico-onto-epistemology offers a comprehensive framework for navigating
ethical challenges in scientific research and technological advancement, integrating
philosophical reflections on ontology, epistemology, and ethics to foster informed discourse
and responsible practices.
2. What is moral relativism? How does it relate to moral pluralism and moral monism
Moral relativism posits that moral judgments are relative to particular cultures, societies, or
individuals, rather than being universally applicable. Proponents of moral relativism argue
that different communities have distinct moral codes that determine what is considered right
or wrong within those communities. This perspective challenges the idea of a single,
objective standard of morality and emphasizes the importance of cultural context in shaping
ethical norms and values. However, moral relativism also raises questions about the
possibility of moral progress and the universality of certain moral principles.
Critics of moral relativism argue that it can lead to moral skepticism and inhibit the ability to
criticize harmful practices in other cultures. They contend that while cultural differences
exist, some moral values may be universal or transcultural, providing a basis for making
cross-cultural moral judgments. Moreover, the distinction between cultural practices and
underlying moral values suggests that while specific behaviors may vary, there may be
common moral principles that underpin human conduct across different cultures.
In contrast to moral relativism, moral pluralism recognizes the diversity of moral perspectives
and acknowledges that no single moral theory or tradition can provide comprehensive
answers to all ethical questions. Instead, moral pluralism advocates for integrating insights
from various moral theories and traditions to address complex ethical dilemmas. This
approach emphasizes the importance of considering multiple perspectives and weighing
competing moral principles when making ethical decisions.
Similarly, moral monism, or ethical absolutism, asserts the existence of a single, overarching
moral principle or theory that provides definitive answers to ethical questions. However,
moral monism overlooks the complexity of ethical dilemmas and the diversity of moral
perspectives, potentially leading to oversimplified or dogmatic approaches to ethical
decision-making.
, In conclusion, moral relativism, moral pluralism, and moral monism offer distinct
perspectives on the nature of ethics and the challenges of moral decision-making. While
moral relativism highlights the importance of cultural context and diversity in ethical norms,
moral pluralism advocates for an integrative approach that considers multiple moral theories
and traditions. Moral monism, on the other hand, posits the existence of a single moral truth
but may oversimplify complex ethical dilemmas. Ultimately, understanding these concepts
can help us navigate the complexities of ethics and make informed decisions that promote
human flourishing and well-being.
3. What do Thomas Hobbes and Frans de Waal say about the origins of morality
Thomas Hobbes and Frans de Waal present contrasting views on the origins of morality.
Hobbes, a seventeenth-century philosopher, posits that morality stemmed from egoistic
prudence driven by the necessity to survive in a competitive environment. According to him,
as human populations grew, individuals realized the benefits of adhering to moral rules and
norms for collective well-being, leading to the emergence of a social contract enforced by the
state.
In contrast, biologist Frans de Waal challenges Hobbes's anthropocentric view by
demonstrating that non-human animals also exhibit altruistic behavior, suggesting that
morality is not exclusive to humans. De Waal's research on fairness and altruism in animals
suggests that morality has roots in our animal nature. While acknowledging differences
between human and animal morality, such as the role of religion and taboo in human
morality, De Waal argues for a continuum of moral behavior across species.
Hobbes's perspective emphasizes the role of social contract and institutionalized norms in
shaping human morality, while De Waal's research underscores the evolutionary basis of
morality, extending beyond human societies. While Hobbes's view centers on human survival
and societal organization, De Waal's perspective highlights the shared moral behaviors
observed in humans and other animals, challenging traditional notions of morality as
uniquely human.
In summary, Hobbes attributes the origins of morality to human social dynamics and survival
instincts, while De Waal argues for a broader understanding of morality rooted in
evolutionary principles that transcend species boundaries. Their divergent perspectives
contribute to ongoing debates about the nature and origins of morality, enriching our
understanding of ethical behavior in both human and non-human contexts.
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