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Specifying, balancing, and interpreting bioethical principles.

H S Richardson1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA. RICHARDH@gunet.georgetown.edu

The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|June 14, 2000
PubMed
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Progressively specifying norms offers a superior method for resolving ethical dilemmas in bioethics compared to balancing. This approach avoids the need for value commensurability and justified balancing, enhancing clarity in decision-making.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Moral Philosophy

Background:

  • The principle of progressively specifying norms for ethical decision-making has seen limited adoption in bioethics.
  • Existing frameworks often rely on norm specification, deductive subsumption, and balancing to resolve ethical conflicts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critique two prominent bioethical approaches that rely on norm balancing.
  • To advocate for norm specification as a replacement for balancing in resolving ethical dilemmas.

Main Methods:

  • Critical analysis of prominent bioethical literature on norm conflicts.
  • Argumentation against reliance on value commensurability and justified balancing.

Main Results:

  • The reliance on overall value commensurability for resolving norm conflicts, as seen in Gert, Culver, and Clouser, is problematic.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachBioethics and Professional EthicsPhilosophical Approach

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  • The concept of 'justified balancing' in Beauchamp and Childress's work can be more effectively addressed through continued norm specification.

    • Conclusions:

    • Progressive norm specification is a more robust method for resolving ethical doubts than balancing.
    • Bioethics should move beyond balancing approaches towards enhanced norm specification for clearer ethical guidance.