Contact us on (02) 8445 2300
For all customer service and order enquiries

Woodslane Online Catalogues

Underpinnings of Medical Ethics

Description
Reviews
Google
Preview
Thus far in the development of the discipline of medical ethics, the overriding concern has been with solutions to specific problems. But discussion is hampered by lack of understanding of the scope and methodology of medical ethics, and its scientific and philosophical basis. In Underpinnings of Medical Ethics Edmond A. Murphy, James J. Butzow, and Edward L. Suarez-Murias offer much-needed clarification of the purview, ontological basis, and methodology of a medical ethics that is to be comprehensive and yet readily accepted by all. The authors begin by describing the scope of the analysis and discussing possible ethical systems and paradigms. They then deal with the structures and concepts necessary in the formulation of a coherent philosophy: normality and disease, scientific and juridical law, certainty and certitude, decisions. Finally, they introduce particular human dimensions, such as quality of life, pain, and responsibility. Throughout, case examples illustrate the authors' theoretical framework.
''This is the book to have, at minimum a seminal work of broad interest and deep appeal. Only time will tell if it is also paradigmatic, but it is a good candidate. Murphy has been concerned with definitions of normal and how to deal with clinical paradox for 30 years; he is that rarity in American medicine, a physician with genuine philosophic insight, an Edmund Pellegrino beyond the restraint of scholastic tradition... The many examples provided show the wisdom of starting with facts of disease or clinical state, rather than attempting to impose ethical constraints from specific schools of thought or points of view. Among the strengths of this book are the sections on definition of disease and the distinctions between clinical experience and statistical treatments... Equally important is the detailed glossary, which provides sound advice for physicians on how to talk and write about what they presume to know. Excellent! Highly recommended. General readers; undergraduates through professionals.'' -- D.R. Shanklin, University of Chicago, Blackwell 's Choice
Google Preview content