ETHICS IN THE CLINICAL ENCOUNTER
ETHICS IN THE CLINICAL ENCOUNTER

Summary/Abstract: The goal of this paper is to present and evaluate the theoretical resources of a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach as a particular option within the wider spectrum of methodology in bioethics. This approach will be highlighted by Richard Zaner’s interpretation and application of such method that stands out as the best among the phenomenological methods employed in bioethics. Zaner’s approach applies two essential philosophical orientations, that of phenomenology and hermeneutics. The focus of the present inquiry is whether such method is a viable and sufficient approach to solve moral quandaries encountered in the clinical setting and whether it is a supplement or replacement of other forms of medical ethics. The first part of the paper consists of an analytic presentation of Zaner’s approach, while the second part presents a systematic reconstruction of phenomenology, hermeneutics and ethics relative to the phenomenon of the clinical encounter. The final part drives essential conclusions pertaining to the broad spectrum of bioethical methodology.

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