The Uncommon Ethics of the Medical Profession: A Response to My Critics

In responding to my critics, James Childress, Tom Beauchamp, Soren Holm, and Ruth Macklin, I reprise my arguments for medical ethics being an uncommon morality. I also elaborate on points that required further clarification. I explain the role of trust and trustworthiness in the creation of a profession. I also describe my views on the relationship of the medical profession to the society in which medicine is practiced. Finally, I defend my claim that medical ethics "is constructed by medical professionals for medical professionals" by describing the profession's unique vantage point for regulating and policing the profession's uncommon powers and privileges.