This new series of books brings thoughtful, biblically informed perspectives to contemporary issues in bioethics. Whether exploring abortion, assisted suicide, genetic engineering, or other controversial issues in bioethics, these volumes provide principled discussion of the ethical implications of today's medical and scientific breakthroughs. Extremely useful to students, scholars, and general readers alike, these volumes are ideal for classroom use -- in nontheological as well as theological settings.

This excellent text offers a broad-based introduction to the field of bioethics. Scott Rae and Paul Cox provide an assessment of various secular approaches to bioethics that are particularly influential today, and develop a framework for a Christian approach meant to assist people in addressing the many pressing issues in the field.

Though touching on the numerous debated issues in bioethics, the authors are primarily concerned here to give an account of the central theological notions crucial to an informed Christian perspective on bioethics. Their work makes a stimulating and substantial contribution to a Christian bioethic that can effectively engage the pluralistic culture in which health care is practiced today.

"This is a valuable clarification, re-statement and defence of principlism as an approach to applied ethics. It is strongly recommended to many teachers of bioethics..." Journal of the American Medical Association

"Childress book deserves careful study by all concerned with the ethical aspect of contemporary biomedical challenges." Science Books & Films

"An ideal supplement for a graduate seminar on bioethics or for upper-division undergraduates needing more information in this area." Choice

In these revised and updated essays, renowned ethicist James F. Childress highlights the role of imagination in practical reasoning through various metaphors and analogies. His discussion of ethical problems contributes to a better understanding of the scope and strength of different moral principles, such as justice, beneficence, and respect for autonomy. At the same time, Childress demonstrates the major role of metaphorical, analogical, and symbolic reasoning in biomedical ethics, largely in conjunction with, rather than in opposition to, principled reasoning."

How should we attempt to resolve concrete bioethical problems? How are we to understand the role of bioethics in the health care system, government, and academe? This collection of original essays raises these and other questions about the nature of bioethics as a discipline. The contributors to the volume discuss various approaches to bioethical thinking and the political and institutional contexts of bioethics, addressing underlying concerns about the purposes of its practice. Included are extended analyses of such important issues as the conduct of clinical trials, euthanasia, justice in health care, the care of children, cosmetic surgery, and reproductive technologies.

In der zeitgenoessischen Reproduktionsethik werden intensiv moralische Probleme von Fortpflanzungstechniken wie Leihmutterschaft oder Gametenspende diskutiert. Erstaunlicherweise wird aber die fundamentale reproduktionsethische Frage, ob wir uns fortpflanzen sollten, kaum thematisiert. Auch Ethiken der Elternschaft eroertern zwar normative Probleme des Eltern-Kind-Verhaltnisses und fragen nach der Grundlage parentaler Pflichten, aussern sich aber meist nicht zu der Frage, ob wir Eltern werden sollten. Der Anti-Natalismus, als dessen wichtigster zeitgenoessischer Vertreter David Benatar gilt, widmet sich dieser zentralen Frage. Anti-Natalisten pladieren dafur, die Frage, ob wir uns fortpflanzen sollten, mit "Nein" zu beantworten. In der vorliegenden Abhandlung wird nach der Tragfahigkeit anti-natalistischer Argumente gefragt; es wird zwischen verschiedenen Formen des Anti-Natalismus differenziert und dargelegt, in welcher Form sich ein Anti-Natalismus verteidigen lasst. Es wird deutlich, dass sich zwar keine Pflicht, sich nicht fortzupflanzen, begrunden lasst, der Anti-Natalismus sich aber in einer bestimmten Form als kritikresistent erweist und zeigen kann, dass und warum es auch unter gunstigen Umstanden moralisch problematisch ist, Kinder in die Welt zu setzen.

What caused physicians in the USA to confront committees, forms, and active patients? Tracing the revolution that transformed the doctor-patient relationship, this book takes the reader into the labouratory and the examining room, tracing the development of new technologies and social attitudes.

The relation between the pursuit of knowledge and the conduct of life-between science and ethics, each broadly conceived-has in recent years been greatly complicated by developments in the science of life. This book examines the ethical questions involved in prenatal screening, in vitro fertilization, artificial life forms, and medical care, and discusses the role of human beings in nature.

Zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts verandert sich durch Entdeckungen und Entwicklungen in Feldern wie den Neurotechnologien und der Hirnforschung, der Gentechnik und synthetischen Biologie, der Prothetik und den Nanotechnologien auch unser Verstandnis der Natur und des Menschseins. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es das Ziel des Sammelbands, Perspektiven aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum mit ausgewahlten europaischen Positionen in einem interdisziplinaren Austausch zusammenzufuhren. Zugleich soll, was bisher eher selten der Fall war, ein Bruckenschlag zwischen empirischer Forschung zu Koerpermodifikationspraktiken und theoretischer Reflektion geleistet werden.

Die Allgemeine Erklarung der Menschenrechte und das Grundgesetz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland haben die Menschenwurde als Hoechstwert und oberstes Prinzip verankert. Biopolitischen Eingriffen durch den Staat sollte damit eine absolute Grenze gesetzt werden. Die Unbestimmtheit der Menschenwurde hat jedoch in den bioethischen Debatten der letzten Jahrzehnte dazu gefuhrt, dass die Vorrangstellung der Menschenwurde in Frage gestellt wurde oder sich Vertreter entgegengesetzter Positionen beide gleichermassen auf die Wurde des Menschen berufen konnten. So stehen Eugenik und Euthanasie - in liberalem Gewande - als legitime Optionen wieder auf der Tagesordnung. Dies ist einerseits eine Problemanzeige und andererseits der Hinweis darauf, das unterschiedliche Lager unter Wurde unterschiedliches verstehen. Der vorliegende Band diskutiert vorranging das Verhaltnis von Menschenwurde und Autonomie als den zentralen Argumentationsgrundlagen dieser Debatte. Dabei wird der Frage nachgegangen, inwieweit es gerechtfertigt ist, den Wurdebegriff durch den Autonomiebegriff zu ersetzen, bzw. ob der Wurdebegriff Aspekte des Autonomiebegriffs integrieren oder ausschliessen muss, um dem Grundanliegen der Allgemeinen Erklarung der Menschenrechte und des Grundgesetzes der Bundesrepublik Deutschland gerecht zu werden, ohne Abstriche am Grundsatz der Unverfugbarkeit zu riskieren.

Genome sequencing is one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the past thirty years. But what precisely does it involve and how is it developing? In this brilliantly wide-ranging, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Rachael Pells explains the science behind genomics. She analyses its practical applications in medical diagnosis and the treatment of conditions that range from cancer to severe allergic reactions to cystic fibrosis. She considers its potential to help with advances in agriculture and environmental science. She explores the ethics of genetic modification and the dangers involved when humans 'play God'. And she addresses the fundamental question: to what extent will future advances transform human longevity and the quality of life.

Talk of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) has moved from the hushed corridors of life science corporations to the front pages of the world's major newspapers. As Europeans began rejecting genetically engineered foods in the marketplace, the StarLink corn incident exploded in the United States and farmers set fire to genetically modified crops in India. Citizens and consumers have become increasingly aware of and troubled by the issues surrounding these new technologies. Considering cases from agriculture, food, forestry, and pharmaceuticals, this book examines some of the most pressing questions raised by genetic engineering. What determines whether GEOs enter the food supply, and how are such decisions being made? How is the biotechnology industry using its power to reshape food, fiber, and pharmaceutical production, and how are citizen-activists challenging these initiatives? And what are the social and political consequences of global differences over GEOs?

Case studies, personal accounts, and analysis show how to recognize and combat pseudoscience in a post-truth world. In a post-truth, fake news world, we are particularly susceptible to the claims of pseudoscience. When emotions and opinions are more widely disseminated than scientific findings, and self-proclaimed experts get their expertise from Google, how can the average person distinguish real science from fake? This book examines pseudoscience from a variety of perspectives, through case studies, analysis, and personal accounts that show how to recognize pseudoscience, why it is so widely accepted, and how to advocate for real science. Contributors examine the basics of pseudoscience, including issues of cognitive bias; the costs of pseudoscience, with accounts of naturopathy and logical fallacies in the anti-vaccination movement; perceptions of scientific soundness; the mainstream presence of "integrative medicine," hypnosis, and parapsychology; and the use of case studies and new media in science advocacy. Contributors David Ball, Paul Joseph Barnett, Jeffrey Beall, Mark Benisz, Fernando Blanco, Ron Dumont, Stacy Ellenberg, Kevin M. Folta, Christopher French, Ashwin Gautam, Dennis M. Gorman, David H. Gorski, David K. Hecht, Britt Marie Hermes, Clyde F. Herreid, Jonathan Howard, Seth C. Kalichman, Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, Arnold Kozak, Scott O. Lilienfeld, Emilio Lobato, Steven Lynn, Adam Marcus, Helena Matute, Ivan Oransky, Chad Orzel, Dorit Reiss, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter, Kavin Senapathy, Dean Keith Simonton, Indre Viskontas, John O. Willis, Corrine Zimmerman

Das Buch bietet in 24 Kapiteln einen systematischen Einblick in methodische und thematische Fragen der Medizin- und Bioethik in Deutschland von 1995 bis 2016. Dieser beginnt mit metaethischen Aspekten der Relation zwischen Ethik und Moral sowie mit der keineswegs unproblematischen Facherkombination von Medizinethik und Medizingeschichte an den deutschen Universitaten. Sodann werden zentrale bioethische und biopolitische Diskursfelder wie Stammzellforschung, Praimplantationsdiagnostik, pradiktive Medizin sowie Sterbehilfe und Transplantationsmedizin eroertert, die ausnahmslos brisante normative Probleme am Beginn und am Ende des menschlichen Lebens betreffen. Anders als im derzeitigen bioethischen "Mainstream" liegt in diesem Buch der Akzent auf der Betonung des Vorrangs der unantastbaren Wurde des Menschen vor dessen niemals absolut zu denkender Autonomie.

While the Christian church has experienced extraordinary growth over the last century, Western culture has continued its seemingly inexorable drift into post-Christian forms. The contrast between our burgeoning churches and the scant impact that Christians have on public policy, the university, or the professions is distressing. And nowhere is this development more evident-and more consequential-than in the field of bioethics, where the dignity of human beings is constantly open to redefinition, and where much of our inheritance is coming under withering fire from those whose values are radically distinct from the Judeo-Christian tradition. This new volume takes seriously the Christian mandate to engage modern culture, giving specific attention to the urgent need for moral leadership as we encounter the difficult challenges posed by biotechnology. These insightful chapters by twenty leading activists, academics, and professionals discuss the contributions that a Christian perspective can and should make to the biomedical debate in today's most important forums-public policy and law, education, media, health care, and the church itself.

Profoundly important ethical and political controversies turn on the question of whether biological life is an essential aspect of a human person, or only an extrinsic instrument. Lee and George argue that human beings are physical, animal organisms - albeit essentially rational and free - and examine the implications of this understanding of human beings for some of the most controversial issues in contemporary ethics and politics. The authors argue that human beings are animal organisms and that their personal identity across time consists in the persistence of the animal organisms they are; they also argue that human beings are essentially rational and free and that there is a radical difference between human beings and other animals; criticize hedonism and hedonistic drug-taking; present detailed defenses of the prolife positions on abortion and euthanasia; and defend the traditional moral position on marriage and sexual acts.

From reason to practice in bioethics brings together original contributions from some of the world's leading scholars in the field of bioethics. With a particular focus on, and critical engagement with, the influential work of Professor John Harris, the book provides a detailed exploration of some of the most interesting and challenging philosophical and practical questions raised in bioethics. The book's broad range of chapters will make it a useful resource for students, scholars, and practitioners interested in the field of bioethics, and the relationship between philosophical and practical ethics. The range of contributors and topics afford the book a wide international interest. -- .

Bioethics is the philosophical study of the ethical controversies brought about by advances in biology and medicine. Bioethicists are concerned with the ethical questions that arise in the relationships among life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, politics, law, philosophy, and theology. This book presents research in the expansive field of bioethics including biomedical ethics in obstetrics, ethical decision making in the health care system, the feasibility of using human oocytes for stem cell research, as well as mandatory circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa to prevent HIV and AIDS and environmental ethics to preserve the world for future generations.

Should transhuman and posthuman persons ever be brought into existence? And if so, could they be generated in a good and loving way? This study explores how society may respond to the actual generation of new kinds of persons from ethical, philosophical, and theological perspectives. Contributors to this volume address a number of essential questions, including the ethical ramifications of generating new life, the relationships that generators may have with their creations, and how these creations may consider their generation. This collection's interdisciplinary approach traverses the philosophical writings of Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, alongside theological considerations from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. It invites academics, faith leaders, policy makers, and stakeholders to think through the ethical gamut of generating posthuman and transhuman persons.

Find clarity on everyday green-living dilemmas to maximise your sustainability Are paper bags always more environmentally friendly than plastic? How much better for the planet are electric cars? What saves more water - using the dishwasher or washing up by hand? We all want to do the right thing for the planet, but with so many factors at play it can be difficult to work out which is the greenest way. With answers to the everyday green-living questions, Is it really green? cuts through the confusion and gives you the facts. Inside the pages of this book about eco-friendly living, you'll discover: - Answers to more than 140 everyday green-living questions - Advice on making all aspects of your home green like your kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe - How to shop sustainably - The big issues surrounding the climate crisis and what you can do about it - Practical advice on living green everyday including transport and travel as well as managing family and relationships Get to the heart of each eco-conundrum, interrogate your instincts, and make informed decisions to reduce your ecological footprint. Combat Everyday Eco-Dilemmas This book sheds light on the consequences of our everyday decisions and helps you feel empowered to do what you can to make a positive impact on the future of our planet. Whether it's choosing a vegan lifestyle, taking steps towards zero-waste living, or cutting down on travel, every small adjustment to the way we live counts. The book itself has also been made as sustainably as possible, using recycled paper and locally based printers to reduce air miles. It is the perfect gift for the environmentally conscious.

As the demand for organs continues to outstrip availability and waiting lists surge, the pressure to make morally questionable, unethical decisions becomes more likely and trust in transplant medicine starts to erode. Medical ethics expert and former health professional, Trevor Stammers, analyses the complex ethical web that constitutes the worldwide exchange of organs and tissues. Key philosophical questions concerning existence, consciousness, the nature of death and the right to life connect organ donation and transplantation to real-life case studies exploring difficulties with the 'dead donor rule' for deceased donation, organ donation euthanasia, xenotransplantation and the creation of organoids and 'organs-on-chips', alongside examples of human trafficking and systematic state murder to provide organs. Controversial cases from Japan, Germany, USA and Singapore are examined alongside the Spanish, Welsh, and Chilean experience of deceased donation opt-out schemes to highlight the variety of threats and challenges to public trust in transplant medicine. Charting these examples provides valuable material for debates and discussions in the philosophy of medicine and medical ethics more generally. Stammers suggests viable alternatives to current ethical failings by focusing on the moral arguments that define public trust, moving the debate on transplant ethics in vital new directions.

In diesem Band werden sowohl die medizinischen Chancen und Risiken der modernen Reproduktionsmedizin erlautert, als auch ihre gesellschaftspolitischen und ethischen Dimensionen in den Blick genommen. Expertenstatements aus den an der Debatte beteiligten Disziplinen eroeffnen einen mehrperspektivischen Einblick in die Thematik.

An essential book for all those who conduct animal-based research or are involved in education and training, as well as regulators, supporters, and opponents alike. This fully updated third edition includes discussion of genetically altered animals and associated welfare and ethical issues that surround the breeding programmes in animal based research. The book discusses the origins of vivisection, the advances in human and non-human welfare made possible by animal experimentation, moral objections, and alternatives to the use of animals in research. It also examines the regulatory umbrella under which experiments are conducted in Europe, USA and Australasia. The author highlights the future responsibilities of researchers who will be working with animals, and offers practical advice on experimental design, literature search, consultation with colleagues, and the importance of the ongoing search for alternatives.