Book reviewed in this article: Principles of Biomedical Ethics. By Tom L. Beauchamp and James F. Childress.

A compact, coherent introduction to the study of rational belief, this text provides points of entry to such areas of philosophy as theory of knowledge, methodology of science, and philosophy of language. The book is accessible to all undergraduates and presupposes no philosophical training.

Finally, they describe the key elements for the successful implementation of a fully functioning health care organization ethics program and what it can mean to the patients and the community."--BOOK JACKET.

This clear, accessible text/reference explores the full range of contemporary issues in health care ethics from a practical wisdom approach. The authors present the fundamental concerns of modern medical ethics–-autonomy, beneficence, justice, and confidentiality-–and then provide analysis, cases, and insights from professional literature to discuss them. Throughout, the discussion starts with larger issues or concepts and principles and then focuses on specific problems or complications.