Environmental Bioethics, Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility in Higher Education

Abstract

Background: Environmental bioethics seeks to promote human health concurrently with the preservation of the environment, which, together with higher education (HE) seeks to achieve competencies focused on sustainable development (SD), social responsibility (SR) and maintenance of bioethical and environmental principles. Objective: To contribute to the reflection and articulation between the principles of environmental bioethics and their repercussions in HE, SD and SR. Methodology: Multivariate and exploratory analysis, cross-sectional design, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Sample: professors from southern Brazil, random sampling, non-probabilistic for convenience (openepi = 95% CI (%), n = 1400 professors). Approved by the Research Ethics Committees of HCPA and UFP, and CAAE 550666168.0000.5327, Plataforma Brasil. Results: The statistical analysis used was Factor Analysis (FA) and Principal Component Retention (PCR) with Varimax^® rotation. The FA produced 6 PCs, categorised and interpreted using Qualitative Content Analysis by Bardin, and the MAXQDA^® software, making it possible to highlight the most relevant information generated by the sample. Conclusions: Environmental bioethics and HE have common objectives that interact with human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, it is prudent to work on these aspects in complementary programs that address bioethical principles such as justice, equity, solidarity and dignity and that seek to promote well-being, quality of life, equity, inclusion, sustainability and social justice, encouraging SD and SR, residing in this juxtaposition the social importance of this work. The programs that advocate the bioethical approach in their actions must be worked together, and not in isolation, because, if worked individually, they do not characterise the comprehensive character recommended by the bioethical principles.