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Articles 1 - 23 of 23
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Should Active Euthanasia Be Morally And Legally Permissible?, Arisa D. Dintcho
Should Active Euthanasia Be Morally And Legally Permissible?, Arisa D. Dintcho
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
In the United States, death is mostly avoided at all costs, making euthanasia a highly controversial topic. The two distinct types of euthanasia in the United States are active and passive euthanasia. This paper examines the moral permissibility of active and passive euthanasia using a rule-utilitarian framework. The rule-utilitarian approach focuses on consistently following a set rule that leads to the most beneficial and moral outcome for all of those involved. More specifically, this paper argues that due to lack of moral distinction between active and passive euthanasia, both should be legalized. Furthermore, legalizing euthanasia allows for the greatest good …
What Moral Obligations Do Healthcare Providers Have To Offer Language Services?, Katherine Gladhart-Hayes
What Moral Obligations Do Healthcare Providers Have To Offer Language Services?, Katherine Gladhart-Hayes
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
This paper analyzes the need for language services in the healthcare system. While U.S. law requires the provision of medical services, patients and families often do not receive the services they need. Even patients and family members with strong English language abilities may struggle with medical language or in an emotionally charged context. This paper uses a feminist analysis, drawing on Social Contract Theory and Kantian ethics, to argue for the ethical responsibility of healthcare providers to offer adequate interpretive services.
How Does The Way We Categorize Disability Influence The Morality Of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis?, Lily L. Price
How Does The Way We Categorize Disability Influence The Morality Of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis?, Lily L. Price
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
The increased use of in vitro fertilization has raised many ethical questions pertaining to preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PDG). PGD allows parents to screen for and diagnose chromosomal and genetic disorders in the created embryos. This raises great concern for the ability to select for or against disabilities. In this paper I argue that the definition of disability needs to be modified in order to determine whether or not PGD is moral and supports human flourishing. Using Aristotle’s model of virtue ethics, three modes of disability are applied to various cases of PGD. Working through the cases I argue that a …
The Justice (Or Lack Thereof) Of Brain Augmentation Through Nanotechnology, Mckinley M. Nevins
The Justice (Or Lack Thereof) Of Brain Augmentation Through Nanotechnology, Mckinley M. Nevins
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Currently, the majority of the ethical discussion around the expansive field of brain augmentation centers on the concept of cognitive enhancement, defined by Bostrom and Sandberg (2009) as, “the amplification or extension of core capacities of the mind through improvements or augmentation of internal or external information processing systems.” But if this definition sounds broad and vague, that’s because it is. Part of the difficulty in discussing this field of neuroscience, and the controversy surrounding it, is making quite clear what specifically we are talking about to begin with. As Austin Caras and James DeJesus introduced in Ethical Analysis of …
We Can, But Should We? A Response To Ethical Analysis Of Brain Augmentation And Nanotechnology, Simone M. Moore
We Can, But Should We? A Response To Ethical Analysis Of Brain Augmentation And Nanotechnology, Simone M. Moore
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Science often progresses at rates faster than it can be regulated. Much research has been done in recent years surrounding nanotechnology, mechanisms comprised of various particles between 1 and 100 nm in size that are capable of altering organic and non-organic molecules and atoms. The ethical implications of using such technology have been strongly debated among researchers and ethicists alike, particularly concerning the issue of human brain augmentation. While the definition of what constitutes brain augmentation can vary greatly, for the purposes of this essay, brain augmentation will be defined as the process by which an individual’s higher and lower …
Ethical Analysis Of Brain Augmentation Through Nanotechnology, Austin Caras, James Dejesus
Ethical Analysis Of Brain Augmentation Through Nanotechnology, Austin Caras, James Dejesus
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery and neural cell manipulation may soon allow for organic and electronic brain augmentations. Medical technology being used for cognitive enhancement brings a host of ethical questions related to safety, justice, privacy, and individuality. Issues concerning medical consent and intellectual property will be skewed as neuroscience expands our understanding of the brain, growing our capacity to read and modify it. Socioeconomic strata may realign based on augmentations and employment opportunities may become dependent on specific cognitive enhancements. Long-term effects of unregulated nanoparticle usage could elicit an environmental or human health disaster. The potential …
Friends Of The Poppy: An Ethical Exploration Of Opioid Addiction, Emma Goldblatt
Friends Of The Poppy: An Ethical Exploration Of Opioid Addiction, Emma Goldblatt
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Scientists and philosophers have been puzzling over the root of addiction for centuries. In the past, addiction was seen as a moral failing, a choice and an inevitability for certain people. Since then, science has shown us that social circumstance and physiological dependency are much better explanations for why addiction develops and persists. This has come into the conversation surrounding the current American opioid epidemic. It is spoken about in medical terms and is being addressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both of which would not be possible without defining addiction as a disease. Addiction is more …
Does One Need To Understand Why Health Is Valuable In Order To Find Enhancement Permissible?, Emily Nygard
Does One Need To Understand Why Health Is Valuable In Order To Find Enhancement Permissible?, Emily Nygard
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
This article uses Lindemann’s feminist ethics to counter Julian Savulescu’s claim that enhancement is acceptable. It makes the claim that Savulescu misunderstands the need for health. Savulescu’s conceptualization of health and mode of enhancement would uphold existing distributive justice problems and support existing oppressive power structures. As such, enhancement in the way that Savulescu conceptualizes it is unethical.
Regulation Of Food Consumption As An Effort To Control Obesity Rates, Shelby Kantner
Regulation Of Food Consumption As An Effort To Control Obesity Rates, Shelby Kantner
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
This paper utilizes a rule-utilitarian framework to examine the ethical issue of food consumption regulation in the United States as an effort to control obesity rates. Rule-utilitarianism presents the idea that “a right action is one that conforms to a rule that if followed consistently, would create for everyone involved the most beneficial balance of good over bad” (Vaughn 35). Specifically, this paper argues that if the government were to enact a policy or law that required food companies and restaurants to reduce their portion sizes, this law/policy would be considered morally permissible under rule-utilitarianism theory. Doing so would result …
Considerations Regarding The Ethical Viability Of Voluntary Active Euthanasia, Grant Garcia
Considerations Regarding The Ethical Viability Of Voluntary Active Euthanasia, Grant Garcia
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Issues regarding death are incredibly complicated and involve topics that are often difficult to discuss. In this essay, I will argue that active euthanasia is morally and ethically permissible in instances involving consenting terminally ill patients. Using an act-utilitarian approach, I contend that voluntary active euthanasia should be seen as a viable option due to its potential to reduce the total pain and suffering in an end-of-life scenario for both the patient and the patient’s loved ones. Though passive euthanasia is widely considered to be morally superior to active euthanasia, I argue that voluntary active euthanasia has the potential to …
Rethinking Animal Agriculture: A Principlist Approach, Miranda S. Eisen 3412335
Rethinking Animal Agriculture: A Principlist Approach, Miranda S. Eisen 3412335
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Engrained in the mindless routines of our daily lives, we believe our consumer choices do not matter. But participating in the animal industrial complex through the purchase and consumption of meat, dairy and eggs generates significant bioethical issues that warrant exploration and discussion. This paper examines the moral rights of animals, poor ethical justification of animal consumption, and extreme ramifications of the animal agricultural system within the framework of principlism. By analyzing the moral position of animal consumption in the bioethical context of utility, autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice, the corrupt nature of animal agribusiness is revealed and plant-based living …
Translational Research: Ethical Considerations, Yiqing Dong
Translational Research: Ethical Considerations, Yiqing Dong
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Translational research (TR) is a new categorization for the efforts of biomedical research and emphasizes efficiency in achieving population health improvements through the application of basic science knowledge in clinical practice. It will be argued that the current emphasis on speed and collaboration with industry established by national policies provides challenges to maintaining the integrity of scientific research. There is no agreed upon definition of TR and the current standard of judging the success of TR focuses on product production. I propose that the principles of beneficence and responsive justice should be used to inform the values of TR and …
The ‘Undue Burden’ Of Restrictions On Abortion: A Feminist Bioethics Analysis, Samantha Scott
The ‘Undue Burden’ Of Restrictions On Abortion: A Feminist Bioethics Analysis, Samantha Scott
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
This paper examines the ethical issues of abortion from a framework of undue burden. The definition of undue burden of abortion is taken from Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey (1992) supreme court decision and states: “its purpose or effect is to place a substantial obstacle in the path of the woman seeking an abortion before the fetus attains viability.” Specifically, this paper argues that abortion restrictions waiting periods and parental involvement do in fact place an undue burden on individuals seeking abortion. This paper utilizes a feminist ethics lens by addressing issues that disproportionately impact women and considering …
Superdoctors: A Consideration Of Virtue Ethics And Human Enhancement, Rosa Dale-Moore
Superdoctors: A Consideration Of Virtue Ethics And Human Enhancement, Rosa Dale-Moore
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Much of the technology used in today’s society could be considered enhancements under some framework. Human uses of substances and practices such as caffeine, meditation, brain training apps and creativity courses, plus countless other extracurricular activities and products all force the human body to be its best, or even past its best. The need for ethical consideration arises when deciding the uses for technology and enhancements. This paper will consider the ethics of human enhancement with regards to the specific profession of physician under the framework of virtue ethics.
Reconciling Eugenics For The Sake Of Human Survival, Conor O'Keefe
Reconciling Eugenics For The Sake Of Human Survival, Conor O'Keefe
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
This paper will attempt to argue for the moral permissibility of genetic enhancement through the ethical lens of principlism, which necessitates the consolidation of positive and negative eugenics as therefore equally permissible. I will argue that through modern medicine and technology we have a moral obligation to establish a more fair baseline of human functioning, and that giving consent to such enhancement is morally justifiable.
Longevity Extension From A Socioeconomic Perspective: Plausibility, Misconceptions, And Potential Outcomes, Eric Ralph
Longevity Extension From A Socioeconomic Perspective: Plausibility, Misconceptions, And Potential Outcomes, Eric Ralph
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
In the last several decades, a significant amount of progress has been made in pursuits to better understand the process of aging and subsequently gain some level of control over it. Wide-ranging successes with gene therapy and increased comprehension of the genetic components of aging have also recently culminated in numerous successes in extending the longevity of animals and the first human trial of a gene therapy to extend life through telomerase manipulation is already underway, albeit on a small scale (Mendell et al. 2015; Bernardes de Jesus et al. 2012; Konovalenko 2014). In light of these recent accomplishments, bioethicists, …
Advocation For The Universal Legalization Of Physician-Assisted Suicide As A Last Resort Measure, Mckinley Nevins
Advocation For The Universal Legalization Of Physician-Assisted Suicide As A Last Resort Measure, Mckinley Nevins
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Considerations of physician-assisted suicide are pressing, emotionally charged, and urgently needed. Current safeguards that exist to protect the patients from coercion and abuses of power are crucial, but incomplete. Additional safeguards must be implemented to protect the role of physicians in cases of PAS as well. Also, improved palliative care measures should be advocated for and considered as the best option in cases of individuals suffering horrendously in the last month of a terminal illness. The universal legalization of physician-assisted suicide in all 50 states should be advocated for, so that once all palliative care measures available have been exhaustively …
The Ethics Of Using Animal Stem Cells, Katelyn Rosen
The Ethics Of Using Animal Stem Cells, Katelyn Rosen
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Stem cell research is highly debated in fields of bioethics. This project examines the often-overlooked issue of using animal versus human stem cells. Stem cells can either be cultivated from embryonic cells, which are undifferentiated and pluripotent, or they are cultivated from adult stem cells, which normally replace worn out or damaged cells. Regenerative medicine uses stem cells to create new therapies to produce new cells, organs, and tissues with the intention to improve someone’s functioning, being healthier. Most research on stem cells aims to use embryonic stem cells to help create therapies to treat diseases and injuries or use …
A Consideration Of International Surrogacy Under Act-Utilitarian Ethics, Rosa Dale-Moore
A Consideration Of International Surrogacy Under Act-Utilitarian Ethics, Rosa Dale-Moore
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Surrogacy is the practice of a woman who gestates a fetus for another person or couple. Through a contracted agreement, the surrogate gives up the child to this person or couple, who then adopt the baby. Surrogacy companies in other countries than the United States, especially India, has become very prevalent and successful. The surrogates conceivably earn much more money than they ever could at their permanent jobs, as well as often receiving housing and healthcare during and/or after their pregnancy. From a utilitarian point of view, international surrogacy is generally morally permissible because there are many more benefits to …
Ethics Of Ebola Quarantines, Aaron Pomerantz
Ethics Of Ebola Quarantines, Aaron Pomerantz
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
The current outbreak of EVD has reached major cities, rather than just small, isolated villages. With this increased access to a far greater population of people, letting the disease burn itself out is no longer an option. By forcing cordon sanitaires, Public Health officials run an incredibly high ethical risk, which must be acknowledged, regardless of the danger posed to communities. If countries, NGO’s and the WHO can ensure that the basic needs of those who are caught in forced quarantines are met, then these methods may work. However, if these needs are not met, major ethical issues arise, and …
Is Euthanasia Morally Permissible? Why Or Why Not?, Rae Nathan
Is Euthanasia Morally Permissible? Why Or Why Not?, Rae Nathan
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
When understanding a specific case in bioethics, it is important to acknowledge four basic bioethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. These four principles are crucial to understanding, and devising a solution, for a case but certain principles are given more weight than others on a case-by-case determination. The principles guide particular cases, but are open to adjustment. In the biomedical issue of euthanasia pertaining to terminally ill consenting individuals, the most relevant bioethical principles are autonomy and beneficence. My argument is twofold: (1) Both active and passive euthanasia are morally permissible because the ability for patients to have …
Protecting Patients’ Autonomy: Supporting The “Right To Die”, Nick Lyon
Protecting Patients’ Autonomy: Supporting The “Right To Die”, Nick Lyon
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
Due to the intrinsically subjective nature of such complaints from a patient, the critical factor to be considered in the ethics of requests to die will be how the patient views their suffering and quality of life, not the observations of third parties. In this essay I will argue that if a patient makes a considered request to die rather than suffer prolonged physical or mental agony, then those who have the capability to do so should honor that request. I further argue that such an action is entirely morally justifiable. For the purposes of this essay I will use …
Who’S Still Missing: Arguments For The Inclusion Of Undocumented Immigrants In Universal Healthcare, Alix Melton
Who’S Still Missing: Arguments For The Inclusion Of Undocumented Immigrants In Universal Healthcare, Alix Melton
Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal
There are many arguments that have been deployed to argue for the inclusion of immigrants in the Affordable Care Act. The first, the “effortful immigrant frame,” argues that immigrants generally come to the United States for work and often take up employment in hard labor jobs with unsafe working conditions—jobs that most U.S. citizens do not in fact want. Based on their contributions to society, proponents of this viewpoint offer, they ought to qualify for health benefits. A second, and similar, frame is the injustice frame, which offers that undocumented immigrants are a victimized group and should be offered services …