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Cover of Bioethics and the Character of Human Life

Bioethics and the Character of Human Life

Essays and Reflections

  • Science & Faith
  • Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
  • Published: 2020

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Publisher's Description

In the essays collected here Gilbert Meilaender invites readers to reflect upon some of the bioethical issues that are important for all of us. The essays treat bioethics less as a discipline confined to a few experts than as a deeply humanistic set of concerns that inevitably draws us into religious and metaphysical issues. From reflections on his experience as a member of the President's Council on Bioethics to the way in which Christian trinitarian teaching has shaped what it means to be a person, from life's beginning to its ending, these essays offer readers a chance to think about matters of fundamental human significance.


Endorsements (4)

“How should we think about astonishing advances in biotechnology that have outpaced reflection on their implications for what it means to be human? There is no better guide through the maze of new issues than these wise, humane, and theologically informed essays by Gilbert Meilaender.”

Mary Ann Glendon

“Gilbert Meilaender is arguably one of the most insightful and clear-minded bioethicists of our era. This collection only serves to reinforce that status. Every chapter is a pleasure to read and a treasure-trove of wisdom.”

Brent Waters

“Throughout this superb collection of essays, Professor Meilaender applies his profound understanding of the human condition to urgent questions in bioethics. Drawing deeply from the Christian tradition, he traces with exceptional skill the ways our beliefs shape our choices and demonstrates our need for a genuine vision of human flourishing that promotes human dignity from the beginning until the end of life. Thankfully, these essays give us such a vision, and we are fortunate to be in his debt.”

Lauris Kaldjian

“Bioethics and the Character of Human Life brings together an interesting and thought-provoking collection of essays. As is typical of his work over the years, Meilaender’s reflections are characterized by analytical insight, candor, and theological attentiveness to deeply important ethical matters. Those of us interested in these issues must grapple once again with an important and enduring voice in the field of bioethics.”

Patrick T. Smith

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