Moralne źródła deontologii lekarskiej

Abstract

The article is concerned with the substantiation of moral norms and the related difficulties. The thing is not to equate that which the Greeks referred to as “hoti” with what they called “dioti" The discussion of the application of moral norms begins with a description of the experience of morality. We try to find an ultimate explanation and substantiation for that which is given to us in experience. The article mentions some of the attempts at this endeavor, including those of Kant and Schopenhauer, as well as those of many contemporary thinkers. It appears that R. Buttigliene is right to say that the solution of the above-mentioned problems should be sought in a „negative anthropology”, i.e. one which does not so much define who man is, as describes what he does. Furthermore, the author discusses its relation to morality. Without adopting a certain view of humanity as the basis on which to substantiate moral norms, professional codes become a set of postulates which lack any justification. It is not enough to merely take an impartial look at particular moral problems. Without appropriate philosophical grounds, democracy may easily turn into totalitarianism.