The Practice of Bioethics: What Methodological Horizon?

Abstract

This paper proposes to see the field of bioethics as a set of activities operating through two main modes of identification: the purpose of the activity (ethical issues raised by medicine, health and well-being) and the method of the activity. The paper summarizes some of the highlights of these two modes as they have historically and gradually contributed to differentiate bioethics. In so doing, the paper also suggests an original interpretation of the future of this field, in associating methodological concerns with a democratic agenda.