This book is a collection of essays published in memory of David Thomasma, one of the leading humanists in the field of bioethics in the 20th century. A pioneer in the field of multidisciplinary research, combining the major theological and philosophical traditions of the West with contemporary science, Thomasma was a role model for the authors who dedicated essays to his main lines of inquiry. The volume addresses the burning question of how to ground a universal bioethics in the context of a conflicted world of warring cultures and perspectives.
Reviews:
"The concept of autonomy, as intended by traditional Anglo-American bioethical discourse, is discussed at length in the book..... The topics presented in the book are of interest to students and scholars trained in law, bioethics and health care. The anthology can also provide a good basis for those who want to start studying human rights in a clinical or research context. Thanks to the skill of the authors ... they are written clearly enough to be understood also by non-specialists ". (Corinna Porteri, Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics, March 2010)
'This is a rich, powerful collection of essays on important issues in contemporary health care. ... It begins with a series of excellent essays on human rights, exploring the relationship between human rights, social policy and health care ... This volume is a fitting testament to care and commitment, as issues of human dignity have played and will continue to play a central role in our debates about revolutionary new health care technologies ". (Kevin Wm. Wildes, Human Rights Reviews, Vol. 12, 2011)