The growing recognition of the shortcomings of bioethics, largely related to its heavy reliance on abstract principles or so-called principlism, has led many scholars to propose a reform or reconstruction of the field. This article examines some of the main critiques of bioethics and argues for an alternative normative approach; namely, a sociology of biological knowledge focusing on human rights. The article discusses the need for such an approach, including the challenges posed by the recent development of the 'bioeconomy'. It explores some potential alternative foundations for a normative sociology of biological knowledge, before presenting elements of a proposed human rights-focused approach. It is argued that this approach will benefit from the insights and concepts offered by various critical science disciplines, in particular the emerging sociology of human rights, science of science and technology, Foucault scholarship and feminist bioethics.
Highlights
- Analyses recent critiques of bioethics.
- Draws attention to the limits of the principles of bioethics.
- He advocates a normative sociology of biological knowledge that focuses on human rights.
- Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed approach.