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  4. Global bioethics: a descriptive analysis of the function of bioethics in health and medicine on a global scale
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Global bioethics: a descriptive analysis of the function of bioethics in health and medicine on a global scale

Full metadata

Description

This thesis explores concept of "global bioethics" in both its development as well as its current state in an effort to understand exactly where it fits into the larger field of bioethics. Further, the analysis poses specific questions regarding what it may contribute to this field and related fields, and the possibility and scope associated with the continued development of global bioethics as its own discipline. To achieve this, the piece addresses questions regarding current opinions on the subject, the authorities and their associated publications related to global bioethics, and what the aims of the subject should be given its current state. "Global Bioethics" is a term that, while seen frequently in bioethics literature, is difficult to define succinctly. While many opinions are provided on the concept, little consensus exists regarding its application and possible contributions and, in some cases, even its very possibility. Applying ethical principles of health and medicine globally is undoubtedly complicated by the cultural, social, and geographical considerations associated with understanding health and medicine in different populations, leading to a dichotomy between two schools of thought in relation to global bioethics. These two sides consist of those who think that universality of bioethics is possible whereas the opposing viewpoint holds that relativism is the key to applying ethics on a global scale. Despite the aforementioned dichotomy in addressing applications of global bioethics, this analysis shows that the goals of the subject should be more focused on contributing to ethical frameworks and valuable types of thinking related to the ethics health and medicine on a global scale. This is achieved through an exploration of bioethics in general, health as a function of society and culture, the history and development of global bioethics itself, and an exploration of pertinent global health topics. While primarily descriptive in nature, this analysis critiques some of the current discussions and purported goals surrounding global bioethics, recommending that the field focus on fostering valuable discussion and framing of issues rather than the pursuit of concrete judgments on moral issues in global health and medicine.

Date Created
2011
Contributors
  • Ruffenach, Stephen Charles (Author)
  • Robert, Jason S (Thesis advisor)
  • Maienschein, Jane (Committee member)
  • Hruschka, Daniel J (Committee member)
  • Arizona State University (Publisher)
Topical Subject
  • Biology
  • ethics
  • bioethics
  • Global Bioethics
  • Global Health
  • public health
Resource Type
Text
Genre
Masters Thesis
Academic theses
Extent
110 p
Language
eng
Copyright Statement
In Copyright
Reuse Permissions
All Rights Reserved
Primary Member of
ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Peer-reviewed
No
Open Access
No
Handle
https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.8980
Statement of Responsibility
by Stephen Charles Ruffenach
Description Source
Retrieved on Oct. 4, 2012
Level of coding
full
Note
Partial requirement for: M.S., Arizona State University, 2011
Note type
thesis
Field of study: Biology
System Created
  • 2011-08-12 03:46:57
System Modified
  • 2021-08-30 01:54:39
  •     
  • 1 year 6 months ago
Additional Formats
  • OAI Dublin Core
  • MODS XML

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