This book is the first comprehensive history of the emerging field of bioethics. It covers the period 1947-1987 and examines the origins and evolution of debates concerning human experimentation, genetic engineering, organ transplantation, the end of life-sustaining treatment and new reproductive technologies. It assesses the contributions of philosophy, theology, law and the social sciences to the evolving discourse of bioethics. Written by one of the founders of the field, it draws on extensive archival research on hard-to-reach resources and interviews with many leading figures. A highly readable account of the development of bioethics, the book emphasises the history of the idea, but does not neglect the social and cultural context and the people involved.
Reviews
"A pioneer of bioethics in his own right, Albert Jonsen is also a gifted writer of lucid and captivating prose, a trait rarely found in bioethics circles. As part of his broader goal of assessing the impact of the field of bioethics, Jonsen has set himself the goal of 'telling an accurate historical account of why and how the field came into being'. The result is an extremely interesting story that will provoke many critical and constructive responses... it is an exceptional success..."-John C. Fletcher in Medical Science Review
'This book is the story of the emergence of bioethics in the United States between 1947 and 1987, written by one of the pioneers and foremost scholars in the field ... this comprehensive volume is rightly seen as one author's magnum opus and bears his distinctive stamp.
Al Jonsen's warmth, humour and encyclopaedic knowledge of the American bioethics scene are evident throughout the text. It is certainly a must read for anyone interested in the transformation of traditional medical ethics in the second half of this century. "- Alastair V. Campbell in medicine, health care and philosophy