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Ethics: A Historical Perspective

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Ethical Issues in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

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Abstract

Ethical principles in the practice of medicine have been greatly influenced by ancient Greek and Eastern philosophy and science. Philosophically, the common pursuit of knowledge, truth, nurturing complex relationships (i.e., physician-patient relationship), doing right versus wrong, exploring the meaning of life, and understanding the role of suffering has fostered significant discussions within multiple disciplines. In bioethics, aspects of religion, law, philosophy, science, technology, and society dovetail in discourse about the moral underpinnings of medical practice and physician responsibilities. This chapter, while not comprehensive, will briefly highlight some ancient influences, philosophical considerations, historical perspectives, and ethical frameworks specific to pediatrics.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Translational Bioethics and Healthcare Policy, Geisinger Research Unit, Danville, PA, USA

    Tessy A. Thomas

  2. Children’s Administration, WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Perry Ann Reed

Authors
  1. Tessy A. Thomas
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  2. Perry Ann Reed
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Kate A. Mazur

  2. Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Stacey L. Berg

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Thomas, T.A., Reed, P.A. (2020). Ethics: A Historical Perspective. In: Mazur, K., Berg, S. (eds) Ethical Issues in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22684-8_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22684-8_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-22683-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-22684-8

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