Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

The vulnerable and the susceptible.

Michael H Kottow1

  • 1University of Chile, Casilla 16168 Correo 9, Santiago, Chile. Kottow@hotmail.com

Bioethics
|February 13, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Human vulnerability is inherent, but susceptibility denotes biological weakness requiring specific care. Distinguishing these is crucial for ethical research and preventing exploitation, especially in developing nations.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Clinical and research ethics as moral strangers.

Archivum immunologiae et therapiae experimentalis·2009
Same author

Should research ethics triumph over clinical ethics?

Journal of evaluation in clinical practice·2007
Same author

The disease-subject as a subject of literature.

Philosophy, ethics, and humanities in medicine : PEHM·2007
Same author

Letter to the editor: a commentary on M. K. Wynia's "consequentialism and harsh interrogations".

The American journal of bioethics : AJOB·2006
Same author

Vulnerability: what kind of principle is it?

Medicine, health care, and philosophy·2005
Same author

Whither bioethics? A reply to commentaries on 'the rationale of value-laden medicine' (Kottow 2002; Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 8, 77-84).

Journal of evaluation in clinical practice·2004

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Human Rights
  • Social Determinants of Health

Background:

  • Human existence is constructed and inherently vulnerable, necessitating state protection through universal rights.
  • Individuals facing destitution require social action and remedial assistance for specific harms.
  • Biologic vulnerability is addressed by healthcare rights, but susceptibility indicates a heightened risk of further harm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between human vulnerability and susceptibility in the context of research ethics.
  • To highlight the ethical obligations arising from susceptibility, particularly in research involving disadvantaged populations.
  • To advocate for the rejection of double standards in international research ethics.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of vulnerability and susceptibility in human subjects.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachBiomedical and Behavioral ResearchHealth Care and Public HealthPhilosophical Approach

Related Experiment Videos

  • Ethical framework examination concerning rights and obligations in research.
  • Review of research practices, especially in less developed countries.

    • Main Results:

    • Vulnerability is a universal human characteristic, while susceptibility denotes a specific biological or social condition increasing risk.
    • Misclassifying susceptible individuals as merely vulnerable can lead to the neglect of their distinct needs and ethical obligations.
    • Failure to recognize susceptibility results in a disregard for the deprivation and increased harm faced by these individuals.

    Conclusions:

    • Clear distinction between vulnerability and susceptibility is essential for upholding ethical research standards.
    • Researchers and sponsors must recognize and address the specific needs of susceptible populations.
    • Ethical research requires tailored approaches that acknowledge and mitigate the heightened risks faced by susceptible individuals, preventing exploitation and ensuring appropriate care.