Working from both ends

the dual role of philosophy in research ethics

Allyn Fives

pp. 163-184

in: Allyn Fives, Keith Breen (eds), Philosophy and political engagement, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016

Abstract

If ethical principles can come into conflict, for example, in the debates about research ethics, in what way can philosophical analysis help resolve such conflicts? Through an examination of the work of Beauchamp and Childress, John Rawls, and Bernard Williams, Fives identifies a dual role for philosophy in research ethics. Through abstract and general theoretical reflection, which requires a significant degree of disengagement, we can examine such issues as whether moral conflicts arise in our ethical evaluation of research protocols. Through practical reasoning, which requires ongoing, direct involvement, we can pursue agreement on public matters, including cases where we are faced with moral dilemmas. This chapter combines theoretical analysis with a close examination of the moral dilemmas arising in one case study.

Cited authors

Williams Bernard

Rawls John