Larry R. Churchill, PhD, is the Ann Geddes Stahlman Professor of Medical Ethics at Vanderbilt University, where he works with the Ethics Consult Serve and teaches medical students and residents. One of his nagging preoccupations is the adequacy of moral theorizing for the human situation. He is most at home, ethically, with David Hume and the late Roman Stoics. His most recent book is Healers: Extraordinary Clinicians at Work, with David Schenck (Oxford, 2012). His book What Patients Teach: The Everyday Ethics of Healthcare is—he hopes—nearing completion.
Everyday Ethics: What Clinicians and Patients Say about Relationships and Why They Work
Since its inception, the field of bioethics has favored a principle-oriented approach, circling around a familiar triumvirate of autonomy, beneficence and justice. Yet in the routine encounters between clinicians and patients these principles, understood as action guides, play only a minor role. Relational capacities and the quality of clinical interactions are far more important aspects of medical and healthcare ethics. This talk presents results from 105 clinician and patient interviews focused on the morally important features of therapeutic relationships. I will argue that what is needed for sound bioethics and professional ethics is less application of principles and more appreciation of the rhythms of vulnerability and responsiveness.
Join us for Dr. Churchill’s lecture on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from noon till 1 pm in person or online:
In person: The lecture will take place in East Fee Hall on MSU’s East Lansing campus, in the Patenge Room (C102). Directions. Feel free to bring your lunch! Beverages and light snacks will be provided.
Online: Here are some instructions for your first time joining the webinar, or if you have attended or viewed them before, go to the meeting!
Event flyer: BB_Webinar ad sept 12_13
MSU Bioethics 
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