Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
8.2
Chapter 8.2
Bioethics and the engineer
Daniel Vallero
While engineering is a rapidly evolving field that
adapts to new knowledge, new technology, and the
needs of society, it also draws on distinct roots that
go back to the origins of civilization. Maintaining
a linkage of the past with the future is fundamental
to the rational and fact-based approaches that
engineers use in identifying and confronting the most
difficult issues.
humanities to serve the best interests of human health
and to protect the environment. In his own words, Potter
describes this bridge:
From the outset it has been clear that bioethics must be
built on an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary base.
I have proposed two major areas with interests that
appear to be separate but which need each other:
medical bioethics and ecological bioethics. Medical
bioethics and ecological bioethics are non-overlapping
in the sense that medical bioethics is chiefly concerned
with short-term views: the options open to individuals
and their physicians in their attempts to prolong
life. . . . Ecological bioethics clearly has a long-term
view that is concerned with what we must do to
preserve the ecosystem in a form that is compatible
with the continued existence of the human species.
2
National Academy of Engineering (2004)
1
''Biomedical ethics'' or ''bioethics'' has numerous defini-
tions. Here is mine:
Bioethics is the set of moral principles and values
(
the
ethics
part
)
needed to respect, to protect, and
to enhance life
(
the
bio
part
)
.
Engineers, medical practitioners, and all technical pro-
fessionals must be clear about meanings. A stray mark on
a blueprint or a misreading of a prescription can lead to
harmful outcomes, even death and destruction. So it is
with each term in this topic's title. Let us consider each.
Upon review, there may be a few parts of the defini-
tion that are missing, such as words like medicine, health,
and biotechnologies. They are certainly embedded, but
bioethics is much more. In light of the risk that my
definition may appear overly simple and obvious, let us
try to go back to the origins.
The term was coined by Van Rensselaer Potter II
(1911-2001). Although Potter was a biochemist, he
seemed to think like an engineer; that is, in a rational and
fact-based manner. In fact, his original 1971 definition of
bioethics was one rooted in integration and systematics.
Potter considered bioethics to bridge science and the
Biomedicine, engineering, and the development and
application of emerging biotechnologies all share
a common feature; they call for balance. Society de-
mands that the state of the science be advanced as rap-
idly as possible and that no dangerous side effects ensue.
Most engineers appreciate the value of pushing the bio-
technological envelopes. Engineers are adept at opti-
mizing among numerous variables for the best design
outcomes. However, most of these emergent areas are
associated with some degree of peril. A recent query of
top scientists
3
addressed this very issue. Its focus was
on those biotechnologies needed to help the developing
countries. Thus, the study included both the societal
and the technological areas of greatest potential value.
Each of these international experts was asked the fol-
lowing questions about the specific technologies:
