Exploring Interdisciplinarity: a theoretical consideration of Bioethics at the interface between Theology, Philosophy and Life Sciences
Abstract
Complex ethical problems resulting from research and
advances in biotechnologies increasingly confront Christian ministers and
theologians with difficult and complex moral dilemmas. Where do they
turn to in order to give guidance and answer questions concerning practical
bioethical problems? This article argues that Bioethics as the systematic
study of specific moral dilemmas implies conjoining a variety of ethical
methodologies in an interdisciplinary framework. In trying to clarify this
complex nature of Bioethics when practiced specifically from a Christian
Theological viewpoint, the article examines theoretical considerations
regarding the interface between three contributing disciplines, viz.
Theology, Philosophy and Life Sciences. This is done by investigating three
questions: What is the place of Bioethics in the hierarchy of disciplines?
In what way do Philosophy, Theology, and Life Sciences contribute to
the theoretical foundations of interdisciplinary Bioethics?, and How do
different methodologies relate to one another in order to show the true
interdisciplinary character of Bioethics? The article concludes that it is
vital to re-examine the theoretical basis of Bioethics as a philosophical
grounding or methodology in order to place moral knowledge within a
meta-theoretical and epistemological framework. It is clear that Bioethics
is a complex endeavour served by many disciplines, as well as a complex
interdisciplinary form of knowledge. Scholars, scientists and theologians
must all learn to transcend the barriers between the multitude of
interrogational disciplines and endeavour to work towards designing a wellfounded
and meaningful framework within which the methodological
assumptions and theoretical grounding have been clarified, and one which
also recognizes the complex interdisciplinary nature of Bioethics.
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- Faculty of Theology [977]