title: Social contract theory as a foundation of the social responsibilities of health professionals.
abstract: This paper seeks to define and delimit the scope of the social responsibilities of health professionals in reference to the concept of a social contract. While drawing on both historical data and current empirical information, this paper will primarily proceed analytically and examine the theoretical feasibility of deriving social responsibilities from the phenomenon of professionalism via the concept of a social contract.
authors: Center for Health Policy and Ethics, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. jwelie@creighton.edu
authors: Jos V M
authors: JV
authors: Welie
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D001675:Bioethics; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D032982:Contracts / Q000941:ethics*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004532:Ego; D028663:Ethical Theory; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000941:ethics*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000941:ethics; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D028681:Moral Obligations; D011057:Politics; D012941:Social Responsibility