Abstract

This chapter discusses the theoretical foundations of bioethical decision-making and provides the basis for bioethical judgment in bioethics and biolaw. The age of technology challenges the ethical views of humanity of earlier times. At the same time, developments in biomedicine, biotechnology and human genetics require reflection on the appropriateness and consequences of biomedical and biotechnological interventions. Therefore, it is important with a bioethical turn in ethics where we include the whole living world in ethical reflections. Here, the chapter discusses bioethics, bioethical judgment, and responsibility in relation to the person, body and its boundaries. Ethical theory of the good life, utility, biomedical principles, freedom and justice in health care are presented in order to formulate a theory of bioethical judgment and applied bioethics. On this basis, the chapter develops reflections on the foundations of bioethical decision-making based on the philosophy of the basic ethical principles in bioethics and biolaw. This approach to bioethical decision-making can also be considered as the basis for bioethical decisions in ethics committees and for ethics and values-driven management in hospitals and health care organizations.