The Unavoidable Priority of Values in Medical Decision-Making: Why Ethics Always Precedes Religion and Science

May 3, 2022 -
8:00am to 9:00am

Healthcare and Religion Lecture Series

Jeremy R. Garrett, PhD
Research Faculty, Children’s Mercy Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Associate Professor of Pediatrics & Adjunct Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Abstract: Ethics, religion, and science frequently compete for priority in medical decision-making and thus can create conflicts among clinicians, patients, and families. The diverse range of religious beliefs and scientific facts that emerge can obscure a fundamental insight: each of us is forced to make a prior fundamental value judgment about which of these facts and beliefs to regard as authoritative and how best to interpret and apply each to concrete medical decisions. Using a mix of case examples and philosophical analysis, this presentation will analyze this insight and explore its practical ramifications. Recognizing the priority of values in decision-making and taking responsibility for navigating value judgments provides a practical tool for managing conflict and making progress toward consensus among all parties.

View online here.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Bioethics & Health Law, Department of Religious Studies, Jewish Studies Program, Palliative and Supportive Institute of UPMC, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

 

Location and Address

Online