Bios-Ethics and the Bios Emergency: Finding the Real Work

Perspect Biol Med. 2024;67(1):63-72. doi: 10.1353/pbm.2024.a919710.

Abstract

This article presents a case for transforming traditional bioethics into "Bios-ethics." This exposition relies on three propositions: (1) the climate emergency is the "Bios emergency"; (2) in the Bios emergency, bioethics must be replaced by Bios-ethics; and (3) the top and overwhelming priority of Bios-ethics is to address the Bios emergency. Biocentrism, habitat, and environmental ethics are discussed in light of their contribution to the development of Bios-ethics, and potential lines of research in Bios-ethics are outlined. The urgency of undertaking substantive conceptual and practical innovations in response to our current danger is emphasized throughout.

MeSH terms

  • Bioethical Issues
  • Bioethics*
  • Climate Change
  • Ecosystem
  • Emergencies
  • Humans