Pandemic and ethics: a review of 'Bioethics, Biolaw & Biopolitics' in the context of COVID-19

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1677-2954.2023.e98470

Keywords:

Bioethics, Biolaw, Biopolitics, COVID-19, Pandemic, Practical Ethics, Practical Cognitivism, Distributive Justice, Neuroethics, Vaccines

Abstract

This review explores the book "Bioethics, Biolaw & Biopolitics," by Darlei Dall’Agnol, which delves into the ethical and (necro)political complexities raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. The author presents a set of reflections centered on the pandemic and its implications for humanity. The book stands out for addressing topics such as therapeutic decisions, vaccine nationalism, neuroethics, and distributive justice in times of global crisis. Through a analysis of each of the ten chapters, the review highlights the author's approach, grounded in practical cognitivism, emphasizing respectful care and the importance of considering the impact of current decisions on future generations. Dall’Agnol's work is recognized for its essential contribution to the current bioethical debate, documenting the failures and missteps in the pandemic response by the Brazilian Federal Government and the Federal and Regional Medical Councils. His work provides profound and valuable insights, preparing future generations to deal with pandemics and similar crises more effectively and ethically.

Author Biography

Fernando Hellmann, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Naturólogo. Mestre em Saúde Pública. Doutorando em Saúde Coletiva. Coordenador do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina.

References

DALL’AGNOL, D. Bioética, biodireito & biopolítica. Reflexões filosóficas sobre uma pandemia. 1. ed. Florianópolis, SC: Editora Insular, 2023.

DE ARAUJO, M. et al. Ethical guidelines for the allocation of scarce intensive care units during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Discussing a Brazilian proposal. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 15 out. 2023.

DIAS, H. S.; LIMA, L. D. DE; LOBO, M. S. DE C. Do ‘Mais Médicos’ à pandemia de Covid-19: duplo negacionismo na atuação da corporação médica brasileira. Saúde em Debate, v. 45, n. spe2, p. 92–106, dez. 2021.

HELLMANN, F.; HOMEDES, N. An unethical trial and the politicization of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Brazil: The case of Prevent Senior. Developing World Bioethics, v. 23, n. 3, p. 229–241, 28 set. 2023.

UGALDE, A.; HELLMANN, F.; HOMEDES, N. Inequity in access to vaccines: the failure of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Salud Colectiva, v. 18, p. e4190, 1 out. 2022.

UNESCO. Declaração Universal sobre Bioética e Direitos Humanos. [s.l: s.n.]. Disponível em: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000146180.

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Published

2024-03-11

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 3 (2023): Dossiê: Bioética, Justiça Distributiva e Pandemias

Section

Dossiê Bioética, Justiça Distributiva e Pandemias

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