Medical Ethics and Bioethics

What the resources cover

The page sits in the Ethics and Value Theory strand of Philosophy, and most of it is built around a few big questions. The mind maps on abortion look at personhood, with Michael Tooley, Peter Singer and John Locke, and at the argument that a foetus lacks the capacity for rational thought. Another map sets out religious principles such as the sanctity of life.

End-of-life issues have their own cluster. The Euthanasia map asks whether a good death is one we know is coming and can control. The Ethics of pain control map covers the doctrine of double effect and the side effects of strong painkillers. There are also resources on assisted dying, quality of life and embryo research.

Where to start

1. Open the Ethics mind map first. It introduces the four principles identified by Beauchamp and Childress: autonomy, justice, beneficence and non-malfeasance. It also touches on advance directives and capacity.
2. Move to The Principles of Biomedical Ethics if you want that framework in more depth.
3. Choose one issue, such as abortion, euthanasia or genetic engineering, and read its map.
4. Check the matching flashcards, for example Embryo Research and Genetic Engineering, which asks about the trans-humanist, biocentric and Christian views.

Using maps and quizzes together

Read a map, then close it and take a quiz on the same issue. The page lists quizzes on euthanasia, abortion, the right to a child and bioethics. Any question you miss tells you which branch of the map to reread. Then try explaining that branch in your own words.

The flowchart on reasons for veracity is useful for a different skill. It sets out why honesty matters in healthcare: it shows respect for individuals, enables fully informed decision-making and maintains trust between professionals and patients.

For different learners

School students will find material that fits GCSE Religious Studies and A-level Religious Studies, including religious views on life and death. University students and professional candidates can use the lecture-style flashcards and the case notes, such as the one on Diane Pretty. Teachers can pick slide sets like What is Euthanasia? to use in class.

When you are ready, choose one topic and work through its map, flashcards and quiz in turn.