Medical Technologies and Universal Ethics in Transcultural Perspective

Abstract

Controversies over the moral and cultural properties of medical technologies are rooted in differences of individual and collective values and wishes, systems of belief and reference, and in traditions towards medicine, life, the preservation of life and the acceptance of death. These controversies shape the self-understanding and the self-determination of educated individuals as well as the course of transcultural dialogue and the evolution of cultures and attitudes. Discourse, understanding, controversy, and tolerance are the life and blood of peaceable and free societies, based on the respect for persons, the recognition of individual conscience and the risks, obligations and rights associated with choice and error. The alternative to our post-enlightenment and post-modern discourses and quarrels over values and visions would be hierarchical systems of heteronymous domination, torture, and ideational exploitation and tutelage — systems developed by self-proclaimed philosopher-kings and priest-czars for the exploitation of their fellow humans, beginning in pre-historic times, successful from the times of the pharaohs through the dark ages and middle ages of humankind to the Hitlers, Stalins, Pol Pots, Bin Ladens and Saddam Husseins of our times.