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Monological versus dialogical consciousness - two epistemological views on the use of theory in clinical ethical practice.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21790690     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
In this article, we argue that a critical examination of epistemological and anthropological presuppositions might lead to a more fruitful use of theory in clinical-ethical practice. We differentiate between two views of conceptualizing ethics, referring to Charles Taylors' two epistemological models: 'monological' versus 'dialogical consciousness'. We show that the conception of ethics in the model of 'dialogical consciousness' is radically different from the classical understanding of ethics in the model of 'monological consciousness'. To reach accountable moral judgments, ethics cannot be conceptualized as an individual enterprise, but has to be seen as a practical endeavor embedded in social interactions within which moral understandings are being negotiated. This view has specific implications for the nature and the role of ethical theory. Theory is not created in the individual mind of the ethicist; the use of theory is part of a joint learning process and embedded in a cultural context and social history. Theory is based upon practice, and serves practical purposes. Thus, clinical ethics support is both practical and theoretical.
Authors:
Kathrin Ohnsorge; Guy Widdershoven
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Bioethics     Volume:  25     ISSN:  1467-8519     ISO Abbreviation:  Bioethics     Publication Date:  2011 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-07-27     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8704792     Medline TA:  Bioethics     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  361-9     Citation Subset:  E; IM    
Copyright Information:
© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy at the University of Basel, Switzerland VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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