The Evolution of Bioethics

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Compared with the other fields of philosophy, bioethics is relatively young. The need for ethical standards and considerations in medicine is extremely important. Typically, when dealing with doctors, we are in a vulnerable state. It is extremely important to find a good, ethical doctor to care for ourselves and family. This field of study goes beyond the doctor/patient relationship. When it comes to human life and medicine, there are so many intrinsic issues. For instance, on one hand there is a legitimate need for medical research, to further the field of medicine. However, that is often done at the detriment of humans, even if they give informed consent. Does this not go against the principle, to do no harm? This makes the need for ethics boards very important. Another important area in medicine, is to make sure that all people that are in need of health care service have a way to obtain it. Humans are entitled to equal treatment. Too many people die due to their inability to afford health care. Our country has an obligation to provide it’s citizens with safe, effective health care that is ethically sound.
Medicine has long way since its inception. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were among the first to investigate the inner workings of the human body. A little over 400 years before Christ came the distinguished Hippocrates. Due to his contribution to medicine, Hippocrates was nicknamed “the father of modern medicine.” Although, by today’s standards, the medicine practiced back then was anything but modern. His contribution to the field of medicine was so much, that the oath all new doctors take, is named after him; the Hippocratic Oath. To me, this was also the beginni...

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...ng. When we go to the doctor it is expected that we be afforded the basic right to adequate medical care. Rawls’s veil of ignorance is a concept that allows for unbiased selection of people where no information is previously known. The needs of the many should not outweigh the needs of the few. To determine if this is just, we have to look at the outcome. Are people getting needed medical care? Is it a fair system? I think any system, where people are getting good care is a just system. I do believe that this is in line with the categorical imperative.
Bioethics is a complicated field with many intricacies. It has come along way since it’s inception. It will continue to grow and evolve, to accommodate the ever advancing field of medicine. Hopefully the future of healthcare includes better services for those who have trouble attaining it.

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