The History and Future of Bioethics: A Sociological View
"Evans contends that bioethicists need to stand firm on articulating models of ethical decision making for the public good without providing answers through dogma or political or religious beliefs. For public policy and applied ethical thinkers, not philosophers. Summing up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." -- K.E. Murphy, Northwestern University,CHOICE"This honest, outside perspective on the history of and current crisis in bioethics is truly a delight in a field often dominated by activists proclaiming opinion as universal truth....this book deserves a close read by all who consider themselves bioethicists." --DOODY'S"The History and Future of Bioethicsis an exceptionally insightful source of perspective on the formation of the field over the decades." -- Paul Lauritzen,Commonweal"If you will be teaching a course in bioethics in the near future, you might want to assign the books here under review, even if you haven't read them... In many ways, it is a powerful narrative, bolstered by sociological theory about how professions form, exercise authority, and in some cases, fade... Evans's account of the erosion of the authority of bioethicists in the realm of public policy is deeply compelling."-- Paul Lauritzen,The Hastings Center Report"[A]nyone involved in bioethics should read [this book] because it provides a very useful, important and insightful historical account of the political and social contingencies that have led to the current state of bioethics in America -- and for that reason alone it is worth reading." -Jonathan Ives,Contemporary Sociology