The Blessing of Life : An Introduction to Catholic Bioethics

In this thoughtful text, Brian Kane explores the foundations, methods, and conclusions of Catholic thinking on bioethics. With the advent of medical technologies and treatments that once seemed impossible, scientific knowledge brings with it opportunities to enhance, damage, or even destroy our humanity. Catholic theology has a long tradition of exploring this relationship between science and the human person. By providing an introductory explanation of Catholic theological thinking on bioethics, Kane offers a systematic approach to questions on the meaning of human existence and the power of human choice. He explains the ways Catholic readers can better understand ethical dilemmas and decisions regarding medicine and health care both individually and collectively as members of society. - from back cover Annotation In this thoughtful text, Brian Kane explores the foundations, methods, and conclusions of Catholic thinking on bioethics. With the advent of medical technologies and treatments that once seemed impossible, scientific knowledge brings with it opportunities to enhance, damage, or even destroy our humanity. Catholic theology has a long tradition of exploring this relationship between science and the human person. By providing an introductory explanation of Catholic theological thinking on bioethics, Kane offers a systematic approach to questions on the meaning of human existence and the power of human choice. He explains the ways Catholic readers can better understand ethical dilemmas and decisions regarding medicine and health careboth individually and collectively as members of society This book is an introductory explanation of Catholic theological thinking on bioethics. It differs from the majority of bioethics texts by explaining Catholic theology, and not philosophy. Foundational issues in moral theology Professionalism in health care The sanctity of life The social dimensions of health care Invasive medical procedures Ethics at the end of life.