Sources of Bioethics
Diego Rivera, 1934
El Hombre en el Cruce de Caminos o El Hombre Controlador del Universo
Man at the Crossroads, or Man, Controller of the Universe
Palacio de Bellas Artes,. Mexico City
Ever wonder what is really at the root of bioethical controversies?
Why we can't seem to agree and talk past each other?
The words we use to convey fundamental ethical concepts today might mean different things to different people, but in fact they emerged over centuries due to sustained and careful reflection to describe and comprehend
lived human experience.
With effort, words were developed to convey a way of understanding
the world around us and our place in it.
Join us in our exploration of basic bioethics concepts
through the story of words...
What do we mean when we discuss the "nature" of things?
Who or what is a "person"? Why did the concept of "person" arise?
How are we to understand the notion of human "dignity"
that is offered as a foundation for human "rights"?
How did the notion of "conscience" develop over time?
Does "suffering" have any value? How are we to confront our "mortality"?
If you would like to participate in this study group, contact MD, PhD candidate Maria Rivera Santana at