Solidarity in Biomedicine and Beyond

This book proposes ways to use the notion of solidarity fruitfully so as to inform policy and practice in biomedicine.

Barbara Prainsack (Author), Alena Buyx (Author)

9781107074248, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 January 2017

256 pages, 1 b/w illus. 4 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.51 kg

'Solidarity in Biomedicine and Beyond is a brilliant book - one that will be referred to again and again by bioethicists, policymakers, regulators, and academics across a variety of disciplines. It capably builds on their 2011 Nuffield Council on Bioethics report, and signals the birth of a fully fleshed out and vital ethical concept and practice. After reading this book, one may well feel inclined to conclude that this is an old 'new' ethical principle that should be increasingly instantiated in our individual, social, and political lives.' Edward S. Dove, SCRIPTed

In times of global economic and political crises, the notion of solidarity is gaining new currency. This book argues that a solidarity-based perspective can help us to find new ways to address pressing problems. Exemplified by three case studies from the field of biomedicine: databases for health and disease research, personalised healthcare, and organ donation, it explores how solidarity can make a difference in how we frame problems, and in the policy solutions that we can offer.

1. Solidarity. A brief history of a concept, and a project
Part I. Theorising Solidarity: 2. Solidarity - intellectual background and important themes
3. What is solidarity?
4. Solidarity - normative approaches
Part II. Solidarity in Practice: 5. Solidarity in practice I: governing health databases
6. Solidarity in practice II: personalised medicine and health care
7. Solidarity and organ donation
Part III. Conclusions: 8. Solidarity with whom? Conclusions and ways forward.

Subject Areas: Bio-ethics [PSAD], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC], Medical & healthcare law [LNTM], Social law [LNT], Laws of Specific jurisdictions [LN], Law [L], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]