How to appropriate appropriately: a comment on Baker and McCullough

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Rhetorical Theory

Background:

• The prevailing view in bioethics involves applying established moral theories to concrete ethical dilemmas.
• Baker and McCullough propose "appropriation" of ethical theories as a superior alternative to simple application.
• This perspective challenges the traditional understanding of bioethical methodology.

Discussion:

• This article critiques the Baker and McCullough definition of appropriation as insufficient for robust bioethical analysis.
• It argues that the concept of rhetorical "invention" is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of appropriation.
• The discussion highlights the limitations of viewing bioethics solely through the lens of applying pre-existing moral frameworks.

Key Insights:

• Bioethical analysis requires more than just applying moral theories; it necessitates "appropriation."
• The concept of "invention" from rhetorical theory is essential for a nuanced understanding of appropriation in bioethics.
• Current descriptions of appropriation in bioethics are incomplete and require supplementation.

Outlook:

• Future bioethical research should integrate rhetorical concepts like "invention" into the framework of ethical theory appropriation.
• This approach can lead to more sophisticated and contextually relevant bioethical analyses.
• Further exploration into the intersection of rhetoric and bioethics is warranted to refine analytical methodologies.