Why Bioethics Should Be Concerned With Medically Unexplained Symptoms

American Journal of Bioethics 18 (5):6-15 (2018)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Biomedical diagnostic science is a great deal less successful than we've been willing to acknowledge in bioethics, and this fact has far-reaching ethical implications. In this article I consider the surprising prevalence of medically unexplained symptoms, and the term's ambiguous meaning. Then I frame central questions that remain answered in this context with respect to informed consent, autonomy, and truth-telling. Finally, I show that while considerable attention in this area is given to making sure not to provide biological care to patients without a need, comparatively little is given to the competing, ethically central task of making sure never to obstruct access to biological care for those with diagnostically confusing biological conditions. I suggest this problem arises from confusion about the philosophical value of vagueness when it comes to the line between biological and psychosocial needs.

Author's Profile

Diane O'Leary
University of Sydney (PhD)

Analytics

Added to PP
2018-04-27

Downloads
455 (#33,531)

6 months
121 (#25,197)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?