Ethics, Prevention, and Public Health

ISBN-13: 9780199290697 / Angielski / Twarda / 2007 / 245 str.

Angus Dawson

Opis

In 12 original papers notable ethicists explore various issues raised by public health practice. They use the resources of ethical theory to illuminate important theoretical and practical topics, including the nature of public health, notions of community, population bioethics, smoking policies and vaccinations. In twelve original papers notable ethicists explore various issues raised by public health practice - an area that has received scant attention in the published literature. They use the resources of ethical theory to illuminate important theoretical and practical topics, including the nature of public health, notions of community, population bioethics, the legitimate role of law, the use of cost-effectiveness as a methodology, screening, smoking policies, vaccinations, and thenature of infectious disease. Public health is an important and fast-developing area of ethical discussion. In this volume a range of issues in public health ethics are explored using the resources of moral theory, political philosophy, philosophy of science, applied ethics, law, and economics.The twelve original papers presented consider numerous ethical issues arise within public health ethics. To what extent can the public good or the public interest justify state interventions that impose limits upon the freedom of individuals? What role should the law play in regulating risks? Should governments actively aim to change our preferences about such things as food, smoking or physical exercise? What are public goods, and what role (if any) do they play in public health? To whatextent do individuals have moral obligations to contribute to protecting the community or the public good? Where is it appropriate to concentrate upon prevention rather than cure? Given the fact that we cannot be protected from all harm, what sorts of harm provide a justification for public health action?What limits do we wish to place upon public health activities? How do we ensure

Recenzje

The book is very well structured...Personally, the book has enabled me to get a better grip on an issue that I have had in the back of my mind for some years...this book does not provide ready-made answers for public health practitioners stumbling over ethical issues. Rather, it forces readers to reflect on these issues, deepen their understanding and arrive at conclusions that should be discussed with others.