Bioethics principles
Principle of double effect - answer-The act itself must be morally neutral
-The person must morally intend the good effect and only TOLERATE the evil effect
-The good effect must be greater than or equal to the evil effect
-The good effect may not be obtained by means of the evil effect
Principle of integrity - answer-Each person's duty to preserve the view of the human
person (values of the intellect, will, conscience, and fraternity are preeminent)
-Takes into account ALL of the human person
-Is violated when a doctor treats the patient as a thing to be fixed rather than a person
to be healed
Principle of totality - answer-Presumption of preserving the intact human body, whereby
every part of thee human body "exists for the sake of the whole as the imperfect for the
sake of perfect."
-Focuses primarily on the body
-Principle is adhered to when a diseased organ is removed (for the sake of the whole
body)
Principle of inviolability of human life - answer-The first and most fundamental right of a
person is the right to own life
-Places a duty on every human to his/her life
-Violating this principle is violating the most basic right to a person, which is gravely
wrong
-Violated in cases such as direct abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide
Principle of the gift of stewardship over the gift of life - answer-Requires that the gifts of
human life and its natural environment be used with a profound respect for their intrinsic
ends
-We do what is reasonably necessary to sustain our lives
-We do not have the authority to decide when to end our lives or the lives of those
around us, or to harm them in any way.
Principle of the common good - answer-Requires of the flourishing of the community as
a whole
-The good of each individual makes up the common good
-Being concerned for the well being of everybody we encounter
Principle of subsidiarity - answer-Requires that a community of a higher order not
interfere with the life of a community of a lower order, taking over its functions
-A higher community should not interfere with a smaller community
Principle of double effect - answer-The act itself must be morally neutral
-The person must morally intend the good effect and only TOLERATE the evil effect
-The good effect must be greater than or equal to the evil effect
-The good effect may not be obtained by means of the evil effect
Principle of integrity - answer-Each person's duty to preserve the view of the human
person (values of the intellect, will, conscience, and fraternity are preeminent)
-Takes into account ALL of the human person
-Is violated when a doctor treats the patient as a thing to be fixed rather than a person
to be healed
Principle of totality - answer-Presumption of preserving the intact human body, whereby
every part of thee human body "exists for the sake of the whole as the imperfect for the
sake of perfect."
-Focuses primarily on the body
-Principle is adhered to when a diseased organ is removed (for the sake of the whole
body)
Principle of inviolability of human life - answer-The first and most fundamental right of a
person is the right to own life
-Places a duty on every human to his/her life
-Violating this principle is violating the most basic right to a person, which is gravely
wrong
-Violated in cases such as direct abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide
Principle of the gift of stewardship over the gift of life - answer-Requires that the gifts of
human life and its natural environment be used with a profound respect for their intrinsic
ends
-We do what is reasonably necessary to sustain our lives
-We do not have the authority to decide when to end our lives or the lives of those
around us, or to harm them in any way.
Principle of the common good - answer-Requires of the flourishing of the community as
a whole
-The good of each individual makes up the common good
-Being concerned for the well being of everybody we encounter
Principle of subsidiarity - answer-Requires that a community of a higher order not
interfere with the life of a community of a lower order, taking over its functions
-A higher community should not interfere with a smaller community
