The dominant, individualistic understanding of autonomy that features in clinical practice
and research is underpinned by the idea that people are, in their ideal form, independent …

Background Respect for autonomy is a key concept in contemporary bioethics and end-of-
life ethics in particular. Despite this status, an individualistic interpretation of autonomy is …

Principle-based formulations of bioethical theory have recently come under increasing
scrutiny, particularly insofar as they give prominence to personal autonomy. This essay …

Respect for patient autonomy (or self-direction) is broadly understood as recognition that
patients have the authority to make decisions about their own health care. The principle that …

Following the influential Gifford and Reith lectures by Onora O'Neill, this paper explores
further the paradigm of individual autonomy which has been so dominant in bioethics until …

Personal autonomy is widely valued. Recognition of its vulnerability in health care contexts
led to the inclusion of respect for autonomy as a key concern in biomedical ethics. The …

Background Respect for autonomy is a paramount principle in end-of-life ethics.
Nevertheless, empirical studies show that decision-making, exclusively focused on the …

Despite enthusiasm for patient-centered care, the practice of patient-centered care is
proving challenging. Further, it is curious that the literature about this subject does not …

In the current practice of bioethics, two intersecting axes define the interface between
physicians and patients. Along one axis are critical elements that characterize the …

The received view in medical contexts is that informed consent is both necessary and
sufficient for patient autonomy. This paper argues that informed consent is not sufficient for …