Autonomy and Trust in Bioethics

Argues against the conceptions of individual autonomy which are widely relied on in bioethics.

Onora O'Neill (Author)

9780521815406, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 April 2002

228 pages, 1 b/w illus.
23.6 x 15.7 x 1.8 cm, 0.446 kg

'The book is marked throughout by Professor O'Neill's customary mixture of clarity, forthrightness and common sense, and by an impressive determination to relate careful philosophy to actual practice and experience … Autonomy and Trust in Bioethics provides a rich and stimulating basis for further debate in this area, and broadens the focus of discussion in a stimulating way. Even if non-Kantians remain unpersuaded by some of the philosophical moves, they will appreciate the lucidity, learning and good sense of this interesting book.' The Heythrop Journal

Why has autonomy been a leading idea in philosophical writing on bioethics, and why has trust been marginal? In this important book, Onora O'Neill suggests that the conceptions of individual autonomy so widely relied on in bioethics are philosophically and ethically inadequate, and that they undermine rather than support relations of trust. She shows how Kant's non-individualistic view of autonomy provides a stronger basis for an approach to medicine, science and biotechnology, and does not marginalize untrustworthiness, while also explaining why trustworthy individuals and institutions are often undeservingly mistrusted. Her arguments are illustrated with issues raised by practices such as the use of genetic information by the police or insurers, research using human tissues, uses of new reproductive technologies, and media practices for reporting on medicine, science and technology. Autonomy and Trust in Bioethics will appeal to a wide range of readers in ethics, bioethics and related disciplines.

Preface
Frontispiece
1. Gaining autonomy and losing trust?
2. Autonomy, individuality and consent
3. 'Reproductive autonomy' and new technologies
4. Principled autonomy
5. Principled autonomy and genetic technologies
6. The quest for trustworthiness
7. Trust and the limits of consent
8. Trust and communication: the media and bioethics
Bibliography
Institutional bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Medical genetics [MFN], Philosophy [HP]