Abstract
BackgroundThe methodology of medical ethics during the last few decades has shifted from a predominant use of normative-philosophical analyses to an increasing involvement of empirical methods. The articles which have been published in the course of this so-called 'empirical turn' can be divided into conceptual accounts of empirical-normative collaboration and studies which use socio-empirical methods to investigate ethically relevant issues in concrete social contexts.DiscussionA considered reference to normative research questions can be expected from good quality empirical research in medical ethics. However, a significant proportion of empirical studies currently published in medical ethics lacks such linkage between the empirical research and the normative analysis. In the first part of this paper, we will outline two typical shortcomings of empirical studies in medical ethics with regard to a link between normative questions and empirical data: (1) The complete lack of normative analysis, and (2) cryptonormativity and a missing account with regard to the relationship between 'is' and 'ought' statements. Subsequently, two selected concepts of empirical-normative collaboration will be presented and how these concepts may contribute to improve the linkage between normative and empirical aspects of empirical research in medical ethics will be demonstrated. Based on our analysis, as well as our own practical experience with empirical research in medical ethics, we conclude with a sketch of concrete suggestions for the conduct of empirical research in medical ethics.SummaryHigh quality empirical research in medical ethics is in need of a considered reference to normative analysis. In this paper, we demonstrate how conceptual approaches of empirical-normative collaboration can enhance empirical research in medical ethics with regard to the link between empirical research and normative analysis.
Highlights
The methodology of medical ethics during the last few decades has shifted from a predominant use of normative-philosophical analyses to an increasing involvement of empirical methods
Summary: High quality empirical research in medical ethics is in need of a considered reference to normative analysis
We demonstrate how conceptual approaches of empirical-normative collaboration can enhance empirical research in medical ethics with regard to the link between empirical research and normative analysis
Summary
Shortcomings of empirical research in medical ethics In a considerable number of the empirical studies which are currently published in journals of medical ethics or bioethics, the link between the empirical research and a normative analysis on the respective topic is not clear [12,13,14]. In helping to clarify the significance of empirically derived knowledge in specific ethical deliberations, Birnbacher’s approach may provide support for those empirical studies in medical ethics which suffer from a lack of normative analysis It can be said, just to mention one example, that an empirical study can contribute on the level of moral pragmatics. The strong interdisciplinary collaboration allows for a mutually critical look at each other’s discipline and its premises and presuppositions, as well as at the social practice which is examined and criticized This model of interdisciplinary cooperation, as described by Leget et al, can be very useful for researchers in medical ethics, as it provides a systematic account of the different stages of an empirical study in medical ethics. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests
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