Casuistry and principlism: the convergence of method in biomedical ethics.

Full Abstract

Casuistry and principlism are two of the leading contenders to be considered the methodology of bioethics. These methods may be incommensurable since the former emphasizes the examination of cases while the latter focuses on moral principles. Conversely, since both analyze cases in terms of mid-level principles, there is hope that these methods may be reconcilable or complementary. I analyze the role of principles in each and thereby show that these theories are virtually identical when interpreted in a certain light. That is, if the gaps in each method are filled by a concept of judgment or Aristotelian practical wisdom, these methods converge.

Author information

Author/s: Kuczewski, M (M);

Affiliation: Center for the Study of Bioethics, Medical College of Wisconsin 53211, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Theoretical medicine and bioethics (Theor Med Bioeth), published in NETHERLANDS. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1998-Dec; vol 19 (issue 6) : pp 509-24

Dates: Created 1999/03/26; Completed 1999/03/26; Revised 2005/11/16;

PMID: 10051788, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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