2016 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 13-22
It is widely recognized that biomedical ethics was based on liberal individualism, which originated in Mill’s arguments in On Liberty (1859) and reflected ethics for strong people. Since then, importance of independence and self-determination has been emphasized in society. However, in recent years there has been criticism to this stress on independence seen from the viewpoint of human relationship. Critics consider the weak side of human beings. Daniel Callahan, known for his communitarian positions, emphasizes the importance of interdependence, and argues for the necessity of lifelong education to understand moments of dependence on others. Martha C. Nussbaum, an Aristotelian, posits that not only independence but also vulnerability is an excellent principle of ethics. Max Scheler points out a way of release, which rests on the basis of modest attitudes and recalls better human relationships. Edith Stein asserts that relationships with others develop the potential talent in human beings. I think that these insights of these two German phenomenology philosophers are essential in order to deal with the problems of providing support to suffering.
