Bioethics, Public Reason, and Religion
The Liberalism Problem

Can religious arguments provide a reasonable basis for restrictive public policies regarding politically controversial medical interventions?

Leonard M. Fleck (Author)

9781009078054, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 September 2022

75 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 0.5 cm, 0.14 kg

Can religious arguments provide a reasonable, justified basis for restrictive (coercive) public policies regarding numerous ethically and politically controversial medical interventions, such as research with human embryos, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or using artificial wombs? With Rawls, we answer negatively. Liberally reasonable policies must address these controversial technologies on the basis of public reasons accessible to all, even if not fully agreeable by all. Further, public democratic deliberation requires participants to construct these policies as citizens who are agnostic with respect to the truth of all comprehensive doctrines, whether secular or religious. The goal of these deliberations is practical, namely, to identify reasonable policy options that reflect fair terms of cooperation in a liberal, pluralistic society. Further, religious advocates may participate in formal policymaking processes as reasonable liberal citizens. Finally, public reason evolves through the deliberative process and all the novel technological challenges medicine generates for bioethics and related public policies.

1. Introduction
2. Rawlsian Political Liberalism
3. Religion and Liberalism
4. The Restraint Objection
5. Public Reason: Criticisms from Religious Advocates
6. Democratic Deliberation and the Evolution of Public Reason
7. Conclusion
References.

Subject Areas: Bio-ethics [PSAD], Public health & preventive medicine [MBN], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC]