Abstract

Principles of Biomedical Ethics has for the past forty years been an attractive and popular approach to bioethical issues in the clinical, research, public policy and the academic settings. Despite its widespread acceptance, accessibility and lucrative endeavor, it has been an object of critical study and criticism for its aversion to foundational meta-ethical issues. Bernard Lonergan, a Canadian-Jesuit philosopher, and theologian spent the majority of his career devoted to the structure of human knowing, and its relation to the human good. The thesis seeks to provide an account that Lonergan’s thought can be a complementary asset for principlism. The first half of the thesis focuses on the text Principles of Biomedical Ethics. The second half introduces Lonergan’s role of the dynamic structure of conscious intentionality in coming to know proportionate being, its practical possibilities and concludes with presenting tools of ethical analysis.