Autonomy and Trust in Bioethics

by Onora O'Neill

Overview

Onora O'Neill suggests that the conceptions of individual autonomy (so widely relied on in bioethics) are philosophically and ethically inadequate; they undermine rather than support relationships based on trust. Her arguments are illustrated with issues raised by such practices as the use of genetic information by the police, research using human tissues, new reproductive technologies, and media practices for reporting on medicine, science and technology. The study appeals to a wide range of readers in ethics, bioethics and related disciplines.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521815406
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/18/2002
Series:	Gifford Lectures , #2001
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 9.29(h) x 0.71(d)
Lexile:	1530L (what's this?)

About the Author

Onora O'Neill is Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, and has written widely on ethics and political philosophy.

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

"This book provides an excellent analysis of misguided understandings of autonomy and trust. Recommended. All levels." Choice

From the Publisher