Abstract
In order to focus my critical discussion of the mainstream approach to medical ethics, I have selected two examples: Beauchamp and Childress’s Principles of Biomedical Ethics (1979) and Jeff McMahon’s The Ethics of Killing (2002). Both are faithful representatives of the field. Principles of Biomedical Ethics is still considered the main textbook on the subject, and its fifth edition was published in 2001. McMahon’s book is an enormously detailed and rigorous analysis of the arguments for and against abortion and euthanasia, and was received with widespread critical acclaim. Rather than a systematic critique of the two books, furthermore, I have plucked only a single section of argument from each, a section that in each case, I believe, exemplifies their overall approach. While I am aware of the risks involved in taking such narrow selections, they are worth running because of the limitations of space and because of the depth to which I want to pursue my critique.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Copyright information
© 2008 Christopher Cowley
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Cowley, C. (2008). Technical Language and Ordinary Language. In: Medical Ethics, Ordinary Concepts and Ordinary Lives. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230591561_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230591561_1
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-35318-7
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-59156-1
eBook Packages: Palgrave Religion & Philosophy CollectionPhilosophy and Religion (R0)