Abstract

ROQUE, María Victoria; MACPHERSON, Ignacio  and  GONZALVO CIRAC, Margarita. THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE AND LIMITS IN BIOMEDICINE. pers.bioét. [online]. 2015, vol.19, n.1, pp.129-139. ISSN 0123-3122.  https://doi.org/10.5294/PEBI.2015.19.1.10.

Current advances in biomedical technology have achieved previously unimaginable results in terms of both disease therapy and improvement of the human species. Accordingly, it is crucial to consider whether the desire for perfection has specific limits, and if it is necessary apply a limiting principle to ensure respect for human nature and to prevent risk-taking that might affect future generations. The precautionary principle is presented as a rationalizing element against any attempt by blind or despotic progress. However, this principle can lead to confusing concepts when it becomes separated from its basic component: the virtue of prudence.

Keywords : precautionary principle; prevention; prudence; bioethics; medical ethics; environmental ethics.

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