RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Why participating in (certain) scientific research is a moral duty
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 325
OP 328
DO 10.1136/medethics-2012-100859
VO 40
IS 5
A1 Joanna Stjernschantz Forsberg
A1 Mats G Hansson
A1 Stefan Eriksson
YR 2014
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/40/5/325.abstract
AB Our starting point in this article is the debate between John Harris and Iain Brassington on whether or not there is a duty to take part in scientific research. We consider the arguments that have been put forward based on fairness and a duty to rescue, and suggest an alternative justification grounded in a hypothetical agreement: that is, because effective healthcare cannot be taken for granted, but requires continuous medical research, and nobody knows what kind of healthcare they will need, participating in research should be viewed from the perspective of a social contract, based on our mutual need for medical advances.