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Bioethics as methodological case resolution: specification, specified principlism and casuistry.
1Department of Philosophy, Rice Unviersity, Houston, TX 77005, USA. asmith@ruf.rice.edu
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|June 14, 2000
Summary
This study explores practical bioethics, focusing on resolving real-world cases rather than abstract moral theories. It advocates for methods that yield justifiable answers for involved parties, moving bioethics toward practical application.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Medical Ethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
Background:
- Bioethical decision-making is influenced by underlying assumptions about its purpose.
- A lack of universal moral theory necessitates alternative approaches to bioethical dilemmas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore methods for shifting bioethics from theoretical constructs to practical case resolution.
- To examine approaches that prioritize justifiable outcomes for stakeholders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of scholarly debate on moving bioethics away from theory.
- Focus on practical methods like specification, specified principlism, and casuistry.
Main Results:
- The study highlights a consensus that bioethics should prioritize resolving cases over developing moral theory.
- Useful and justifiable answers for involved parties are deemed more critical than theoretical "truth."
Conclusions:
- Bioethics should focus on practical case resolution using justifiable methods.
- Approaches such as specification, specified principlism, and casuistry are key to this shift.