Ethics by Committee: A History of Reasoning Together about Medicine, Science, Society, and the State

In the late 20th century, liberal democracies established ethics boards to address public concerns about medical and scientific issues. Ethics by Committee explores the rise of these boards in the Netherlands and their evolution to regulate human experimentation. Initially intended to enhance ethics and epistemic quality, the governance of human subjects research has changed over time, reflecting evolving societal attitudes and scientific advancements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the late twentieth century, liberal democracies faced significant public concerns regarding medical and scientific advancements. To address these concerns, ethics boards emerged as mandatory oversight mechanisms in the medical field. It is important to note that the concept of ethics boards is relatively novel, and their significance may be overlooked in today's context. The use of humans in experiments dates back to ancient times, with records indicating that such practices existed as early as the third century BC. However, until the 1960s, most countries lacked formal mechanisms to govern the communal oversight of experiments involving human subjects.

Ethics by Committee delves into the rise of ethics boards for human experimentation in the second half of the twentieth century. The book uses the Netherlands as a case study to explore how the authority of physicians to make decisions about clinical research shifted in most developed nations during this period. Formal mechanisms of communal decision-making were established, aimed at regulating the behavior of individual researchers. This historical transformation emerged in response to growing international wariness of medical research following World War II. The primary objective of establishing research ethics committees was to enhance the ethical conduct of human experimentation and to improve the epistemic quality of medical research.

However, the interpretation and implementation of the principles governing research ethics committees have evolved over time. Initially, the focus was primarily on ensuring ethical considerations in human experimentation. Over time, the scope of research ethics committees expanded to include discussions on the appropriate governance of human subjects research. Complex negotiations took place, involving various stakeholders, such as researchers, policymakers, ethics experts, and community representatives. These negotiations aimed to establish guidelines and regulations that balance the interests of scientific progress, ethical principles, and the well-being of human subjects.

One of the key aspects of Ethics by Committee is its examination of the changing perspectives and roles of ethics boards over time. Initially, ethics boards were primarily composed of physicians and other medical professionals. However, as the field of research expanded, non-medical experts, such as social scientists, philosophers, and community representatives, were increasingly included in the decision-making processes. This inclusion aimed to ensure that a broader range of perspectives and values were considered in the governance of human subjects research.

The book also highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the governance of human subjects research. Ethical dilemmas, such as the use of vulnerable populations, the potential for harm, and the need for informed consent, have been central to these discussions. Research ethics committees have faced criticism for their perceived lack of transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in addressing these ethical concerns. There have been instances where ethical violations have occurred, raising questions about the ability of ethics boards to effectively regulate the conduct of researchers.

In conclusion, Ethics by Committee provides a valuable insight into the evolution of ethics boards for human experimentation in liberal democracies. The book explores the historical context, the rationale behind their establishment, and the changing perspectives and roles of ethics boards over time. It highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the governance of human subjects research and emphasizes the need for ongoing discussions and improvements in the field. By examining the complex negotiations over the appropriate governance of human subjects research, Ethics by Committee contributes to our understanding of the ethical dimensions of medical and scientific advancements in liberal democracies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226819327