RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Between universalism and relativism: a conceptual exploration of problems in formulating and applying international biomedical ethical guidelines
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 63
OP 67
DO 10.1136/jme.2003.003194
VO 30
IS 1
A1 G B Tangwa
YR 2004
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/30/1/63.abstract
AB In this paper, the author attempts to explore some of the problems connected with the formulation and application of international biomedical ethical guidelines, with particular reference to Africa. Recent attempts at revising and updating some international medical ethical guidelines have been bedevilled by intractable controversies and wrangling regarding both the content and formulation. From the vantage position of relative familiarity with both African and Western contexts, and the privilege of having been involved in the revision and updating of one of the international ethical guidelines, the author reflects broadly on these issues and attempts prescribing an approach from both the theoretical and practical angles liable to mitigate, if not completely eliminate, some of the problems and difficulties.