Physician, Invade Thyself

October 16, 2023

(Aeon) – In fact, using the principle of autonomy that dominates our present research ethics environment, it could be argued that it is unethical to encroach upon those who wish to conduct a medical experiment on themselves. What right would anyone have in preventing someone from doing an experiment upon themselves that progressed science or bettered humanity?

But does celebration of the self-experimenter overlook requisite concern for them? Have we become so excited by the bravery displayed in sacrificing one’s wellbeing for the advancement of a humanistic endeavour such as medicine that we have overlooked a basic ethical responsibility to do one’s own self no harm? (Read More)