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Critical Approach to Rule Centered Bioethics : focused on the integrity of the activity

  • Journal of the Korea Bioethics Association
  • 2011, 12(1), pp.19-32
  • Publisher : The Korean Bioethics Association
  • Research Area : Interdisciplinary Studies > Interdisciplinary Research

kim, Soo Jung 1

1가톨릭대학교

Candidate

ABSTRACT

Biomedical issues have been dealt with four major principles: Respect for human person, non-maleficence, beneficience, justice. The application of particular principles to each particular biomedical issue depends on its characteristics. Organ distribution focuses on distributive justice whereas studies involving human subject emphasizes the importance of respect for human person, non-maleficence, and justice. However, principle based approach tends to overlook the complex structure of human action and focus on individual events, particular intentions, and results of human behavior. Biomedical technology intervenes human activities and modes of human existence which were regarded as integrated whole and has caused their fragmentation. Biomedical ethics needs to examine various ways any particular biomedical technology intervene human activities and explore their meaning and social implication in human life. The seriousness of biomedical issues lies in the fact that its impacts are not limited to the individual concern but extended to society and human history. Frequent interventions of biomedical technology to human life have raised fresh and diverse ethical issues and threatens our understanding of human activities, human person, and intrinsic values of human life. This paper will criticise principle based approach of biomedical ethics and suggest value-oriented approach. First, it will present Aristotle's understanding of the structure of human action. In particular, the presentation of virtuous agent in Aristotle will be compared with Kant's understanding of moral person, and Aristotle's understanding of human end will be distinguished from Mill's understanding of human intention. Second, interventions of biomedical technology such as human growth hormone and enhancement using steroid in sport will be analysed through the complexity of human action, the role of human emotion, and human end. Third, the authenticity of sports and intrinsic values of medical profession will be argued against threats of fragmentation of human activities due to the biomedical technology.

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