Understanding autonomy relationally: Toward a reconfiguration of bioethical principles
Journal of Medicine and Philosophy 26 (4):365 – 386 (2001)
| Abstract | Principle-based formulations of bioethical theory have recently come under increasing scrutiny, particularly insofar as they give prominence to personal autonomy. This essay critiques the dominant conceptualization of autonomy and urges an alternative formulation freed from the individualistic assumptions that pervade the prevailing framework. Drawing on feminist perspectives, I discuss the need for a vision of patient autonomy that joins relational experiences to individuality and acknowledges the influence of patterns of power and authority on the exercise of patient agency. Deficiencies in the current models of science and social relations guiding medical practice are analyzed, particularly (1) the tendency to disregard the patients self-knowledge and (2) failure to recognize limitations on the generalizability of medical knowledge. Models of social relations such as mothering and friendship are explored to advance a conception of autonomy better suited to the practical activities of medicine. In conclusion, I consider how acknowledgement of the specificity and complexity of social relations can contribute to reconfiguration of other principles comprising the standard framework of bioethics, particularly beneficence, justice, and equality. | |||||||||
| Keywords | No keywords specified (fix it) | |||||||||
| Categories | ||||||||||
| Options |
|
|||||||||
Download options| PhilPapers Archive |
Upload a copy of this paper Check publisher's policy on self-archival Papers currently archived: 5,709 |
| External links |
 |
| Through your library | Configure |
Similar books and articlesAlfred I. Tauber (2003). Autonomy Gone Mad. Philosophy in the Contemporary World 10 (1):75-80.
Sheila McLean (2010). Autonomy, Consent and the Law. Routledge-Cavendish.
Edmund D. Pellegrino (1984). Autonomy and Coercion in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics 5 (1).
Gene H. Stollerman (1984). Promoting Patient Autonomy: Looking Back. Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics 5 (1).
N. Stoljar (2011). Informed Consent and Relational Conceptions of Autonomy. Journal of Medicine and Philosophy 36 (4):375-384.
Anita Ho (2008). The Individualist Model of Autonomy and the Challenge of Disability. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry 5 (2/3):193-207.
Jos V. M. Welie (1994). Authenticity as a Foundational Principle of Medical Ethics. Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics 15 (3).
Analytics
Monthly downloads |
Added to index2009-01-28Total downloads34 ( #35,408 of 549,754 )Recent downloads (6 months)1 ( #63,425 of 549,754 )How can I increase my downloads? |
My notes
Discussion
