Bioethics as Engaged Activity

Abstract

Whilst we applaud and support a call for “a proactive form of bioethics that actively resists and denounces injustice" we contend that the authors do not go far enough. The underlying theoretical issue is that the vision of bioethics itself is too constrained. Bioethics has been conceived of as an academic discipline in which the primary activity is free, open and reasoned discussion. What is missing is a conception of bioethics that (1) entails a broader practical repertoire and (2) gives effect to ethical values at clinical, organizational, community, and health system levels. We claim that bioethics should aim not merely to describe the world but should endeavor to change it.