Taking issue : pluralism and casuistry in bioethics / Baruch A. Brody.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Brody, Baruch A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Medical ethics.

Bioethics.

Physical Description:

x, 293 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Georgetown University Press, [2003]

Summary:

When it comes to morality as it is practiced in medicine, Brody makes clear that the ethical issues are never as simple as black and white -- that there are myriad factors and fine nuances that can and should challenge decision making as it is commonly practiced in difficult medical cases. In this collection, delving thoughtfully and systematically into methodology, research ethics, clinical ethics, and Jewish medical ethics, he tackles thorny life-and-death questions head-on and fearlessly. He casts a light into all the corners of end-of-life decisions -- a field in which he has exemplary credentials -- while illuminating new understanding of morality and ethics. Brody argues for the fundamental distinction between active and passive cuthanasia, for a need to reconceptualize approaches to brain death, and for the right of providers to unilaterally discontinue life support. He shows support for the waiving of the requirement of informed consent for some research, for the widespread use of animals in research, and for the use of placebos in many international clinical trials. The introduction outlines much of Brody's approach, defines the terminology used, and contrasts his ethical positions with much of the competing literature. Taking Issue will be invaluable to students and scholars in medical ethics, bioethics, and the philosophy of medicine.

Contents:

I. Methodology

1. Pluralistic Moral Theory 31

2. Intuitions and Objective Moral Knowledge 45

3. Assessing Empirical Research in Bioethics 57

II. Research Ethics

4. Research Ethics: International Perspectives 69

5. The Ethics of Controlled Clinical Trials 80

6. In Cases of Emergency, No Need for Consent 97

7. Making Informed Consent Meaningful 102

8. When Are Placebo-Controlled Trials No Longer Appropriate? 111

9. Ethical Issues in Clinical Trials in Developing Countries 124

10. The New Declaration of Helsinki May Be Dangerous to the Health of Developing Countries 132

11. Defending Animal Research: An International Perspective 137

III. Clinical Ethics

12. Withdrawal of Treatment versus Killing of Patients 157

13. Special Ethical Issues in the Management of Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) Patients 173

14. The Role of Futility in Health Care Reform 196

15. How Much of the Brain Must Be Dead? 208

IV. Jewish Medical Ethics

16. Jewish Reflections on Life and Death Decision Making 221

17. A Historical Introduction to Jewish Casuistry on Suicide and Euthanasia 229

18. The Use of Halakhic Material in Discussions of Medical Ethics 265.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0878403981

OCLC:

51769050