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Commissions and biomedical ethics: the Canadian experience.
1Center for Bioethics, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Public commissions in Canada often address complex policy issues. This study found that philosophers were underutilized and philosophical analysis was inadequate in nine biomedical ethics commissions, suggesting a need for greater involvement.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Public Policy
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Public commissions are frequently employed in Canada to address contentious public policy matters.
- Biomedical ethics issues often require nuanced philosophical consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role and extent of participation of philosophers in Canadian public commissions.
- To evaluate the adequacy of philosophical engagement with biomedical ethics issues in these commissions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the involvement of philosophers in nine selected Canadian public commissions.
- Assessment of the treatment of philosophical aspects within the scope of these commissions' mandates.
Main Results:
- Philosophers have been infrequently involved in the examined public commissions.
- The philosophical dimensions of biomedical ethics issues were inadequately addressed by these commissions.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant underutilization of philosophical expertise in public policy commissions.
- Recommendations are proposed for enhancing the role of philosophers to improve the handling of complex ethical issues.