The precautionary principle is frequently referred to in various
momentous decisions affecting human health and the environment. It has
been invoked in contexts as diverse as chemicals regulation, regulation of
genetically modified organisms, and research into life-extending
therapies. Precaution is not an unknown concept in medical contexts. One
author even cites the Hippocratic Oath as a parallel to the precautionary
principle.“Dissecting
Bioethics,” edited by Tuija Takala and Matti Häyry, welcomes
contributions on the conceptual and theoretical dimensions of
bioethics. The section is dedicated to the idea that words defined by
bioethicists and others should not be allowed to imprison people's
actual concerns, emotions, and thoughts. Papers that expose the many
meanings of a concept, describe the different readings of a moral
doctrine, or provide an alternative angle to seemingly self-evident issues
are therefore particularly appreciated. The themes covered in the section so far include dignity, naturalness,
public interest, community, disability, autonomy, parity of reasoning,
symbolic appeals, and toleration. All submitted papers are peer reviewed. To submit a paper or to
discuss a suitable topic, contact Tuija Takala at
tuija.takala@helsinki.fi.