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Facing up to paternalism in research ethics.
Franklin G Miller1, Alan Wertheimer
1National Institutes of Health, USA.
The Hastings Center Report
|July 26, 2007
Summary
Research ethics oversight is often paternalistic, potentially limiting scientific inquiry. Re-evaluating this paternalism may necessitate reassessing certain prohibited research areas.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Research Ethics
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- The field of bioethics has not fully recognized the inherent paternalism within research ethics.
- Both the regulatory structures and the process of obtaining informed consent in research can embody paternalistic elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the pervasive paternalism in research ethics.
- To explore the implications of this paternalism for the regulation and conduct of research.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of research ethics frameworks.
- Examination of informed consent procedures.
- Philosophical inquiry into the nature and limits of paternalism in research.
Main Results:
- Research ethics, including review boards and informed consent, exhibits a pervasive paternalistic character.
- This paternalism, while sometimes justified, has limits that are often overlooked.
Conclusions:
- A clearer understanding of paternalism in research ethics is crucial.
- Reassessing the limits of paternalism may lead to a re-evaluation of currently prohibited research, potentially opening new avenues for scientific exploration.
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