In a controversial paper, David Seedhouse argues that medical ethics is not and cannot be a distinct discipline with it own field of study. He derives this claim from a characterization of ethics, which he states but does not defend. He claims further that the project of medical ethics as it exists and of moral philosophy do not overlap. I show that Seedhouse's views on ethics have wide implications which he does not declare, and in the light of this argue (...) that Seedhouse owes us a defence of his characterization of ethics. Further, I show that his characterization of ethics, which he uses to attack medical ethics, is a committed position within moral philosophy. As a consequence of this, it does not allow the relation between moral philosophy and medical ethics to be discussed without prejudice to its outcome. Finally, I explore the relation between Seedhouse's position and naturalism, and its implications for medical epistemology. I argue that this shows us that Seedhouse's position, if it can be defended, is likely to lead to a fruitful and important line of inquiry which reconnects philosophy and medical ethics. (shrink)

In the United States, disturbing concerns pertaining to both how putative bioethicists are perceived and the potential for the abuse of their power in connection with these perceptions compel close examination. This paper addresses these caveats by examining two fundamental and interrelated components in the image-construction of the ethicist: definitional and contextual. Definitional features reveal that perceptions and images of the ethicist are especially subject to distortion due to a lack of clarity as to the nature and qualifications of the (...) ethicist. Furthermore, the clinical, professional, political, academic, and linguistic contexts in which these ethicists are engaged are contexts of disquieting degrees of power. I argue that the lack of definitional clarity as to what constitutes an ethicist combined with the above volatile contexts together set the stage for the abuse of power on the part of ethicists. Throughout, I question the extent of self-critical analyses among ethicists, and, in view of these components in image-construction and their relationship to power, I challenge the degree of integrity within the field. In conclusion, I propose some areas for further investigation. (shrink)

Practical Medical Ethics David Seedhouse The University of Liverpool, UK and Lisetta Lovett St George’s Hospital, Stafford, UK Creatively balancing philosophical theory with clinical needs, Practical Medical Ethics looks at medical decision-making from a remarkably fresh perspective. Concise, interactive and lively, the book offers a consistently applicable approach to problem solving in health care. A mix of clinically relevant cases, many of which illustrate commonplace ethical dilemmas, offers doctors and students a variety of ways to enhance their practical reasoning abilities. (...) With the aid of two decision-making tools—the unique Ethical Grid and a complementary Algorithm—fifteen medical scenarios are analysed. Often more than one solution is put forward, at which point the reader is challenged by exercises to develop the strongest possible justification for his or her preference. This colourful and imaginative book is intended for use in the design of courses for medical and other health care professionals, but is equally useful for independent study and practice. Practical Medical Ethics provides new skills and insights with minimum fuss and invigorating originality, and will enhance the talents of all who care for health. Other Related Books Health: The Foundations for Achievement David Seedhouse September 1986 Ethics: The Heart of Health Care David Seedhouse July 1988 Liberating Medicine David Seedhouse March 1991 Philosophical Medical Ethics Raanan Gillon October 1986. (shrink)

Liberating Medicine David Seedhouse Unit for the Study of Health Care Ethics, Department of General Practice, University of Liverpool, UK Amid the increasing debate about the practice of medicine and the delivery of health care lie certain fundamental questions: What is the purpose of medicine? What is the role of the medical profession? and Where should the limits of medical intervention be set? In a world of rapid scientific and technological advance, public expectations place increasing demands on the doctor’s skills, (...) and the scope of medical practice needs constantly to be redefined. Yet few guidelines exist on how to go about this. Liberating Medicine is designed to help doctors and health care professionals to understand the role, scope and purpose of their work, by showing that through heightened recognition of possible goals and potential limits, doctors will be more free to select the most beneficial targets for their health work, to plan their strategies for care freely within their practice, and to be able to liberate more fulfilling potentials in those for whom they care. Although rooted in theoretical analysis the book is essentially practical. It contains teaching exercises, a model which can be used to show doctors how close to the limits of practice they are, and a workable checklist for use in interactions with individual patients. All those involved in the study and practice of medicine—but particularly medical students and their teachers—will find this a thought-provoking, stimulating and innovative guide to the philosophical principles of medicine and how these can be applied to everyday practice. Other Related Books Health: The Foundations for Achievement David Seedhouse September 1986 Ethics: The Heart of Health Care David Seedhouse July 1988 Changing Ideas in Health Care Edited by David Seedhouse and Alan Cribb June 1989 Philosophical Medical Ethics Raanan Gillon October 1986. (shrink)

This inspirational book provides the philosophical backbone tocountless courses for health professionals. It poses twofundamental questions - "What is health?" and "How can more healthbe achieved?" - and answers them at a depth unmatched by any othertext in this field. David Seedhouse shows that these questions lieat the heart of health practice, and explains why all healthworkers should ponder them deeply. This second edition retains the freshness and enthusiasm of thefirst, while making the foundations theory and its practicalapplications clearer and (...) more accessible than ever. The bookincludes additional material and discussion, new case studies andrevised illustrations. * Describes and explores competing theories of health * Establishes a practical and ethical foundation for healthpromotion and education * Explains the foundations theory - a novel and comprehensive wayto understand health * Shows how the foundations theory might be used to create morehumane health services. (shrink)

Ethics: The Heart of Health Care - a classic ethics text in medical, health and nursing studies - is recommended around the globe for its straightforward introduction to ethical analysis. In this new edition David Seedhouse demonstrates tangibly and graphically how ethics and health care are inextricably bound together, and creates a firm theoretical basis for practical decision-making. He not only clarifies ethics but, with the aid of the acclaimed Ethical Grid, teaches an essential practical skill which can be productively (...) applied in day-to-day health care. This edition, which is even more readable than the first, includes additional case studies and teaching exercises, contains new material on ethical theory and offers two further decision-making tools - The Rings of Uncertainty and the Autonomy Test. The engaging new introduction reveals the genesis of the Ethical Grid, illuminates the intent and argument of the first edition, and explains why the book is needed today as much as ever. Intended for all who work in health care or health studies - indeed for anyone with an interest in health issues - this is a highly original, innovative and accessible work on a subject traditionally regarded as lofty and obscure. It clarifies a wide variety of complex ethical issues and will give the reader fresh inspiration and renewed confidence in dealing with the demands of modern health work. (shrink)