Triangular reflective equilibrium: a conscience-based method for bioethical deliberation

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Historical foundations of conscience explored.
• Need for a comprehensive methodology in bioethical deliberation identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systematized version of reflective equilibrium.
• To develop an expanded variant: 'triangular reflective equilibrium'.
• To integrate insights from hermeneutics, critical theory, and narrative ethics.

Main Methods:

• Systematization of reflective equilibrium.
• Development of 'triangular reflective equilibrium'.
• Distinction between ethical justification methods and bioethical deliberation practices.

Main Results:

• Elucidation of distinctions between ethical reasoning, personal integrity, and consensus formation.
• Clarification of differences between political and moral deliberation.
• Explication of deliberation as shared conscience with sincerity and openness.

Conclusions:

• Triangular reflective equilibrium offers a comprehensive methodology for bioethical deliberation.
• Personal wisdom grows through continuous moral deliberation.
• Medicine's altruistic responsibilities in democratic societies are contextualized within this framework.