Response to Rick on Bioethics

In response to Rick's question, I consulted a friend who has a Ph.D. in philosophy as well as a J.D., and an expertise in medical issues.  The friend had this to say:

I am not a fan of "professional bioethics" or "beeper bioethicists."  These
are usually individuals who complete a specialty degree in bioethics (what
ever that means) without being grounded in a classic discipline like
philosophy or biology.  Sometimes these individuals are hired by hospitals
and the like for ethics consults, where they mostly provide personal
opinions or (if they also have training as lawyers) explain legal
constraints to action or inaction.  While they are meant to be impartial
parties, they often reflect the interests of their employers (which may be
influenced by the biotech industry).  I assume these are the types of
bioethicists to which your co-blogger refers.  I find these folks completely
divorced from the academic pursuit of grappling with the application of
ethical theories to medicine.  I take issue with calling them "academic
bioethicists."
_______________
mp