The investigations of biology, scientific technology and ethical issues combine to form a new science called ‘bioethics’. For this multidisciplinary science, van Reusselaer Potter in 1971 coined the term ‘bioethics’ stating that it is ‘biology combined with diverse humanistic knowledge forging a science that sets a system of medical and environmental priorities for acceptable survival.
Potter’s definition establishes the premise that we operate through ‘humanistic knowledge’ – the rejection of superstition; where human kind is in control of its own destiny; that our actions are based on moral principles and ethical thinking. It provides a ‘system’ approach (Scientific methodology) to medical and environmental priorities and also, an over-arching context of survival. But Potter points out that survival without qualification are meaningless. Potter offers five categories of survival: mere survival, miserable survival, ideal survival, irresponsible survival and acceptable survival. Acceptable survival refers to a sustainable society with a healthy ecosystem.
Potter’s definition establishes the premise that we operate through ‘humanistic knowledge’ – the rejection of superstition; where human kind is in control of its own destiny; that our actions are based on moral principles and ethical thinking. It provides a ‘system’ approach (Scientific methodology) to medical and environmental priorities and also, an over-arching context of survival. But Potter points out that survival without qualification are meaningless. Potter offers five categories of survival: mere survival, miserable survival, ideal survival, irresponsible survival and acceptable survival. Acceptable survival refers to a sustainable society with a healthy ecosystem.
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