Philosophical Foundations of Human Research Ethics

Abstract

In his book For the Common Good: Philosophical Foundations of Research Ethics (2022), Alex John London argues that the current framework for human research ethics and oversight is an assortment of rules, procedures, and guidelines built upon mistaken assumptions, policies, and practices that create spurious dilemmas and serious moral failings. He claims that his theory can fix these problems by placing human participant research on a solid philosophical foundation. London argues that human participant research is a social activity guided by principles of justice, in which free and equal individuals work together to promote the common good. This review essay analyzes London's approach to the foundations of human research ethics. Although London's theory of human research ethics is excessively idealistic, his book succeeds in showing why it is necessary to expand the scope of human research ethics beyond its current confines to adequately deal with questions of intranational and international justice.