摘要:

In this paper I have attempted to open a window on an African approach to Bioethics — that of the Nso' of the Bamenda Highlands of Kamerun — from the vantage position of someone who has familiarity with both African and Western cultures. Because of its scientific‐cum‐technological sophistication and its proselytising character, Western culture, as well as Western systems of thought and practice, have greatly affected and influenced other cultures, particularly African culture. But Western culture, systems of thought and practice, have been highly impervious and immune to influences from other cultures, philosophies, systems of thought and practice, even where these might have been salutary and enriching to Western culture and systems. What I have here termed Nso'eco‐bio‐cummunitarianismclearly indicates a viable alternative world‐view within which some of the bioethical perplexities and controversies of today might be more satisfactorily resolved than within a Western framework. I have further attempted to show, by way of example, how within such a world‐view, abortion and suicide, for instance, would be disapproved of while euthanasia, in its etymological purity,

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/1467-8519.00020

出版商:Blackwell Publishers Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Disputes over brain death and euthanasia are used to illuminate the question whether there really is a Japanese way of thinking in bioethics. In Japanese thought, a person does not exist as an individual but as a member of the family, community or society. I describe these features of Japanese society as ‘mutual dependency’. In this society, an act is ‘good’ and ‘right’ when it is commonly done, and it is ‘bad’ and ‘wrong’ when nobody else does it. Thus, outsiders to this ring of mutual dependency encounter ostracism. One feature of this society is a lack of open discussion which leads to the existence of multiple standards. This Japanese morality even prevails over written laws. In Japan, there is a public stance that euthanasia does not exist. On the other hand, there are certain decisions which have permitted euthanasia. Similarly, organ transplants were performed from brain dead donors, while that procedure was not accepted officially by the medical profession. In this situation, there is a danger that human rights will be neglected. So far bioethical approaches have not helped to work out these problems. This may be because Japanese think that bioethics is subordinate to morality. The current dispute over brain death involves a struggle for the establishment of a rational society in Japan. Overcoming mutual dependency and ostracism is essential to resolve this struggle and to lead Japan into a society of mutual respect where all individuals, families and commu

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/1467-8519.00021

出版商:Blackwell Publishers Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Listening to other cultures offers challenges to our fundamental assumptions and world views. In New Zealand public policy on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is being worked out in a society committed to the development of bicultural partnership honouring the Treaty of Waitangi, a treaty with the indigenous people.Strong claims to the cultural significance of genetic heritage by Maori have made apparent to non‐Maori (Pakeha) their own assumptions. These claims also resist reductive understandings of genetics.In this paper I review, as a Pakeha ethicist, initiatives taken in New Zealand, and the impact of bicultural development on public policy on ART. I also discuss some of the issues this raises for western bioethics as it relates to non‐western approaches and include reference to the significance of genetic heritage as it is affecting guidelines for donor insemination and surrog

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/1467-8519.00022

出版商:Blackwell Publishers Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

An unlinked seroprevalence study of HIV and other viruses was conducted on pregnant women on the Caribbean island of Grenada in 1994. Investigators were from both the developed world and the Grenadian Ministry of Health (MOH). There was then no board on Grenada to protect research subjects or review ethical aspects of studies. Nurses from the MOH were asked to verbally inform their patients about the study, and request that patients become subjects of the study and give blood for screening. If consent was given nurses took blood and administered a survey about each subjects' knowledge of HIV transmission routes. Nurses shared a spoken dialect and cultural heritage with prospective subjects and were probably more effective than foreign researchers at informing subjects. Informed consent was obtained with a simplified consent form supplemented by conversation with each prospective research subject. Facilitating discussion between people with common cultural backgrounds helps apply the Western approach to informed consent to communities in the developing world. Researchers must disclose all information to nurses or other mediators, and ensure that nurses disclose as much information as possible to prospective subjects. So modified, informed consent maintains respect for persons and becomes applicable and relevant to various cultures.

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/1467-8519.00023

出版商:Blackwell Publishers Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ABSTRACTIn this survey we have investigated the experiences and attitudes of Danish physicians regarding end‐of life decisions. Most respondents have made decisions that involve hastening the death of a patient, and almost all find it acceptable to do so. Such decisions are made more often, and considered ethically more acceptable, with the informed consent of the patient than without. But both non‐resuscitation decisions, and decisions to provide pain relief in doses that will shorten the patient's life, have been made and found acceptable by at least 50% of the respondents, even when there is no informed consent. Furthermore, 12% have doubled morphine dosages with fixed intervals, thus providing doses substantially higher than that necessary to control pain, without the informed consent of the patient. Two per cent have helped in assisted suicide, and 5% have administered a lethal injection at the patient's request. Respectively 37% and 34% find these last two practices ethically acceptable. Amongst those that do not find them acceptable, the most important reasons to be opposed are, the doctrine of double effect, the doctrine of doing and allowing, and the view that human life is sacred. Amongst supporters, the most important reasons mentioned are, that the patient's right to self‐determination should be respected, the view that a patient should not be forced to suffer, and the view that the patient has a right to be helped to a dignified

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8519.1996.tb00122.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Book Reviws in this ArticleBuddhism&Bioethics by Damien Keown, St.Martin's Press, Inc., 1995, 208 pagesGenetic Counselling — Practice and principles, edited by Angus Clarke. London and New York: Routledge, 1994The Bodies of Women Ethics, Embodiment and Sexual Difference by Rosalyn Diprose, London and New York, Routledge, 1994Ethical Issues in Nursing edited by Geoffrey Hunt, London and New York, Routledge, 19

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8519.1996.tb00123.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8519.1996.tb00124.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8519.1996.tb00125.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8519.1996.tb00126.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0269-9702    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8519.1996.tb00127.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY