What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Bioethics applies ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) to biological and medical research

Genetic engineering raises questions about designer babies, gene therapy, and GMO organisms

Informed consent requires that research participants fully understand and agree to their involvement

Animal research in medicine is ethically contested, balancing scientific benefit against animal welfare

The precautionary principle argues that new technologies should not be widely adopted until their risks are understood

Key Vocabulary

Bioethics

The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine

Informed consent

The process by which participants voluntarily agree to a study after being fully informed of its risks and benefits

Precautionary principle

The view that action should be taken to prevent harm even when scientific evidence is not yet conclusive

Beneficence

The ethical principle of acting in the best interests of others and promoting their well-being

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

A researcher wants to test a new drug on humans. What must they obtain from participants before proceeding?

Informed consent from each participant Permission from the drug company Approval from the general public A guarantee that the drug is safe

Question 2

The precautionary principle in bioethics suggests that scientists should:

Always proceed with new technologies as fast as possible Take steps to prevent harm even before risks are fully proven Avoid all research that could possibly cause harm Only research topics that are guaranteed to be beneficial

Question 3

Which ethical concern is most directly raised by the prospect of "designer babies" (selecting genetic traits)?

Whether babies are expensive to produce Whether the technology works reliably Questions of justice, consent, and the commodification of human life The colour of the laboratory

Bioethics and Science