title: [Bioethical issues in contemporary medical sciences].
abstract: Unprecedented advances in the natural sciences and in medical technology bring many moral issues unknown to previous generations. Very often in their medical practice physicians face problems in which the basic role is played by moral commitment. In this context, a set of qualitatively new questions emerges: Should we continue medical treatment when the patient asks that it be discontinued? Must we preserve the life of the irreversibly comatose patients? How to assess moral aspects of various forms of donating organs for transplants in evolving social-cultural situation? Does any religion provide a definition of biological death that would be inconsistent with the definition provided by the medical sciences? To answer such ethical questions that emerge in our evolving culture, there is an urgent need for interdisciplinary discussions developed by scientists, philosophers, and theologians. In a philosophically justified attitude of Christian personalism, any life has an unique value, though it cannot be regarded as an absolutely highest value (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 2289). The donation of the organs should be regarded as an act of love. To be an act of human person, the decision of donation should be expressed in a free and deliberate, manne. In this perspective, the principle of the presumed consent is assessed critically because it implies hierarchy of values in which pure pragmatism is appreciated more than the love to our neighbours (The Catechism... p. 2296). Certainly, the standpoint of pragmatism as such must not be assessed negatively; the sacredness of life, its dignity, God-dependence and objective value cannot be, however, adequately expressed in purely pragmatic terms. The latter categories are basic also in providing Christman answer to may ethical questions raised in contemporary medical sciences.
authors: Ordynariusz Diecezji Tarnowskiej, Tarnów.
authors: B J
authors: BJ
authors: Zyciński
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002835:Christianity; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005065:Euthanasia; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care; D009014:Morals; D014019:Tissue Donors; D016312:Treatment Refusal
vernacular_title: Bioetyczne pytania współczesnej medycyny.