Bloomsbury Handbook of Phenomenological Bioethics

This is an essential guide to understanding the growing field of phenomenological bioethics. More than 30 chapters explore its elaboration in the phenomenological literature, its key themes, and several first-person case studies bringing the theory to life. Harnessing phenomenology’s focus on subjective experience and the lived realities of individuals, this volume showcases how phenomenological bioethics is an increasingly important person-centred framework for addressing complex ethical issues in medical and health sciences.

Divided into three parts, Part I explores the overlooked bioethical discussions in the work of seminal phenomenologists, from Heidegger and Husserl to Levinas, Conrad-Martius, and Fanon. Part II then introduces the central themes in phenomenological bioethics, considering both the theoretical underpinnings and their practical application in medical contexts. With a sub-section on the impact of technology, this volume covers the very latest medical technologies such as online therapy, the use of technology in hospices, and AI in healthcare. Finally, Part III introduces six first-person case studies, which throw the importance of a phenomenological approach to bioethical issues into sharp relief; these range across mental and physical health, from challenges faced by women with Borderline Personality Disorder to end of life decisions.

From an international team of emerging and leading scholars, including Fredrik Svenaeus, Kay Toombs, and editor, Susi Ferrarello, The Bloomsbury Handbook of Phenomenological Bioethics is an indispensable research tool. It is the place to start for anyone seeking a broader understanding of how phenomenology and first-person experience can illuminate new ethical pathways for enhancing the well-being of both individuals and society more widely.