The Ethics of Time: Towards Temporal Bioethics.

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Public Health Ethics
• Clinical Ethics

Background:

• Time is a critical, yet often neglected, factor in ethical considerations.
• Existing ethical frameworks may not adequately address temporal dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the overlooked role of time in public health, clinical, and personal ethics.
• To conduct an exploratory analysis of temporal inequalities and temporal autonomy.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of time's role in ethical domains.
• Exploratory examination of temporal inequalities.
• Exploratory examination of temporal autonomy.

Main Results:

• Identified time as a fundamental, under-examined element in ethical decision-making.
• Uncovered significant temporal inequalities impacting ethical outcomes.
• Explored the concept of temporal autonomy and its ethical implications.

Conclusions:

• Integrating temporal considerations is crucial for robust public health, clinical, and personal ethics.
• Addressing temporal inequalities and promoting temporal autonomy can enhance ethical practice.