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

Autonomy, sanity and moral theory.

Iain Law1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. lawir@hhs.bham.ac.uk

Res Publica (Liverpool, England)
|June 18, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This paper explores the concept of autonomy in moral theory. It argues that value-laden autonomy, rather than value-neutral autonomy, is essential for moral principles and protecting individual freedom.

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

Respect for autonomy: its demands and limits in biobanking.

Health care analysis : HCA : journal of health philosophy and policy·2011
Same author

Conceptualising health: insights from the capability approach.

Health care analysis : HCA : journal of health philosophy and policy·2007
See all related articles

Area of Science:

  • Moral Philosophy
  • Ethics
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Autonomy is central to moral theory, serving as a basis for action constraints and moral principles.
  • Current understanding often seeks a value-neutral definition of autonomy, focusing on psychological structures.
  • This approach may limit autonomy's capacity to fulfill its roles in moral discourse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine the concept of autonomy in moral theory.
  • To investigate whether current conceptions of autonomy can adequately serve their foundational and constraining roles.
  • To propose and defend a value-laden conception of autonomy.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of autonomy in moral theory.
  • Critique of value-neutral definitions of autonomy.
  • Development and defense of a value-laden framework for autonomy.

Main Results:

  • Value-neutral conceptions of autonomy are insufficient and misaligned with practical intentions.
  • A value-laden conception of autonomy is necessary for robust moral theory.
  • This value-laden view has significant implications for understanding autonomy's roles.

Conclusions:

  • Autonomy's role in moral theory necessitates a value-laden, not value-neutral, definition.
  • A value-laden approach better supports both the constraining and foundational aspects of autonomy.
  • Rethinking autonomy is crucial for advancing moral philosophy.
Keywords:
Philosophical ApproachProfessional Patient Relationship

Related Experiment Videos