The research imperative revisited: considerations for advancing the debate surrounding medical research as moral imperative

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Katherine Wayne, Kathleen Cranley Glass

Abstract

Medical research is frequently regarded as not only laudable, but even obligatory. However, the moral foundation for such an obligation is far from clear. Lively debate concerning the viability of an obligation to conduct and support medical research is transpiring among a small number of scholars speaking from a variety of backgrounds, yet the current discussion is predominantly situated within several discrete academic and professional circles, allowing only sporadic engagement within and between scholarly disciplines and the medical realm. We aim to lay the groundwork for a focused critique of the "research imperative" by examining (1) its commitments within ideologies of science, medicine, and progress: and (2) its normative theoretical underpinnings. Our analysis finds no solid grounding for the research imperative and exposes problems in the attitudes and arguments supporting it. We believe these concerns present compelling reasons for devoting greater critical attention to the research imperative and to the morality of the medical research enterprise as a whole.

Citations

Jan 8, 2013·The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics : a Journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics·Rebecca Dresser
Mar 29, 2019·Academic Medicine : Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges·Gustavo ValbuenaPatricia O'Sullivan
Jun 30, 2019·Israel Journal of Health Policy Research·Shmuel P ReisPaul Weindling
Aug 20, 2010·Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy·Thomas W LeBlancAmy P Abernethy

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