Ethical Principles in bioethics: From Theory to Reality

Abstract

From an ethical and theological perspective, we reflect on three points: theory, foundation and practice of ethical principles. The theory of principles continues today to be a way to explain our choices, the morality of our actions. Closely connected with values, ethical principles are guidelines or standards of conduct for all professionals. To the four acknowledged principles of bioethics namely, non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy and justice, we add other classical principles, including the principles of respect for persons and human life, love, totality, truthfulness and confidentiality. The radical foundation of ethical principles is the human person. The human person is an ethical being always in the process of becoming more than what he or she is, of becoming a better person in relation with others, with himself, with nature and with God. Ethical principles urge us to respect every person’s unique dignity and fundamental rights, including the rights to life, physical integrity and an adequate health care. To become more than what he or she is, the human person ought to practice the ethical principles, that is, to pass from theory to reality. As external guidelines for our actions, ethical principles point to us the way to become good persons, professionals and Christians. Known principles are turned into life by the acquisition of intrinsic principles of good actions, that is, virtues. As good operative habits, virtues provide us with a new vision of the heart, serenity of soul and happiness. Among all the virtues, love stands out. Love is the ethical principle (the Golden Rule) and the virtue. It is the form of all virtues. Indeed, to be is to love.