Bioethics and biotechnology: the human between two paradigms

Authors

  • Fermín Roland Schramm
  • Miguel Kottow Lang Universidad de Chile

Abstract

This paper intends to analyse some of the interactions that occur between biotechnology and bioethics, considering that both disciplines have a truly paradigmatic character that influences the anthropologic views of modern man and future human generations. We suggest that biotechnology, especially in the form of genetic interventions, questions certain anthropologic constants and must therefore be subjected to descriptive and prescriptive bioethical reflection. Benefit/risk ratios must be analyzed from the social and the ethical points of view, effective decisional mechanisms need to be suggested, and prudential regulation will have to be envisioned as well as the promotion of equity in the access to biotechnologic benefits.

Keywords:

bioethics, biotechnology, biotechnoscience, sustainability.

Author Biographies

Fermín Roland Schramm

Ph.D. Investigador Asociado de la Escuela Nacional de Salud Píblica de la Fundación Oswaldo Cruz de Río de Janeiro, Brasil.

Profesor Visitante de la Escuela de Salud Pública de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Chile.

Correspondencia: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública da Fundaçao Oswaldo Cruz. Rua Leopoldo Bulhoes 1480, Sala 921. Manguinhos, Río de Janeiro, RJ, 21041-210, Brasil.

Miguel Kottow Lang, Universidad de Chile

Magíster en Sociología. Doctor en Medicina. Profesor Titular de la Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Medicina y Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades.