PHI 2396 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Tom Beauchamp, Belmont Report, Fundamental Justice
3 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Belmont conference: important gathering of people with the purpose to set standards or guidelines. The theologians: referred to scripture to justify ethical positions, which produced different views. St. thomas argued abortion was justified based on the foetal lack of soul (reason). A fetus does not have reason and therefore probably does not have a soul. 19th-century neo-orthodox theologians saw a transcendent god. Working through humanity to establish justice on earth. People should follow the will of god. The philosophers: saw reason, rather than faith, as the basis for morality. Important 20-century bioethicists - hans jonas/daniel callahan, etc. Points of difference: philosophy is like standing in a dark room looking for a black cat. First principles: basic causal principles: philosophy is has more critical thinking, good science is critical. Utility and autonomy: see the medical profession as valuable and that its value should be weighed against risks, see the inherent value of the individual and profess a respect for autonomy.
