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Origin myths in Bioethics: constructing sources, motives and reason in Bioethic(s)
Atwood D Gaines1, Eric T Juengst
1Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, 246 Mather Memorial Building, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-7125, USA. atwood.gaines@case.edu
Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry
|June 25, 2008
Summary
This study explores Bioethics, revealing it is not a single field but a diverse collection of distinct enterprises. Cultural Bioethics and Medical Anthropology show its varied origins and methodologies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Anthropology
- Cultural Bioethics
- Bioethics
Background:
- Bioethics, often synonymous with Biomedical Ethics, involves medical anthropological engagement.
- Many social scientists collaborate with bioethicists and physicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Bioethics as a subject of cultural research using Cultural Bioethics and Interpretive Medical Anthropology.
- To analyze the origins and methodologies of Bioethics through an anthropological lens.
Main Methods:
- Applying findings from cultural anthropology and the anthropology of religion.
- Utilizing an interpretive anthropological lens to analyze Bioethics.
Main Results:
- The study reveals Bioethics lacks a single origin or unified methodology.
- Evidence suggests Bioethics comprises a plurality of distinct enterprises.
Conclusions:
- The term Bioethics accurately reflects a diversity of fields with unique origins and justifications.
- A cultural and interpretive anthropological approach is valuable for understanding Bioethics.
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