The Concept of Autonomy in Bioethics and Applied Ethics

FORMAT | Presented paper

LANGUAGE |English

HOW TO CITE| SANDU, Antonio. (2012). The Concept of Autonomy in Bioethics and Applied Ethics. Prezentată la International Scientific Conference: Logos, Universality, Mentality, Education, Novelty 21 mai-3 iunie 2012, Iaşi.

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ABSTRACT

In analyzing the concept of autonomy we start from the definition according to which autonomy is the individual’s ability to live his life according to his own reason and motivation, based on own free decisions not manipulated or distorted by external forces. The analysis of the concept of autonomy makes necessary to refer to the philosophical category of freedom. The human experience of freedom emerges through the existence of the limits. The category of freedom experienced subjectively by the individual in dealing with his own limitations generates a behavior on self (autonomy) or obedience (heteronomy). The correlation between autonomy and freedom is strong in what is called positive freedom, some authors even suggesting an overlap. The present paper takes into account the similarities and differences between the two concepts, as they are presented in the bioethics and applied ethics literature. We will analyse through qualitative-interpretative methodology the opinions of diabetes doctors and general practitioners regarding the importance of the relationship doctor-patient within the establishment of autonomy of patient with chronic diseases and the ethical impact of this type of relationship.

KEYWORDS:

autonomy, applied ethics, self-achievement, autonomy theories.