Setting standards for empirical bioethics research: a response to Carter and Cribb

BMC Med Ethics. 2018 Jul 13;19(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s12910-018-0302-5.

Abstract

This paper responds to the commentaries from Stacy Carter and Alan Cribb. We pick up on two main themes in our response. First, we reflect on how the process of setting standards for empirical bioethics research entails drawing boundaries around what research counts as empirical bioethics research, and we discuss whether the standards agreed in the consensus process draw these boundaries correctly. Second, we expand on the discussion in the original paper of the role and significance of the concept of 'integrating' empirical methods and ethical argument as a standard for research practice within empirical bioethics.

Keywords: Consensus; Delphi method; Empirical bioethics; Empirical methodology; Ethical analysis.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Bioethics
  • Consensus
  • Empirical Research*
  • Ethical Theory*
  • Humans
  • Morals