Abstract

KOTTOW, Miguel. A BIOETHICAL REFLECTION ON MALEFICENCE AND THE BANALITY OF EVIL . rev.latinoam.bioet. [online]. 2014, vol.14, n.1, pp.38-47. ISSN 1657-4702.

Bioethics emphasizes the primary importance of non-maleficence, be it as a principle or as the essential background of common morality. And yet, bioethics has not developed a deeper understanding about evil. The present text inquires perhaps radical evil - that order the human superfluity practiced, appealing to than atological biopolitics ("To make live and to let die" according to Focault) and the banality of evil understood as inexplicable maleficence perpetuated by thoughtlessness leading to moral turpitude. Both can coexist by bioethics that rejects the evil and requires responsibility from evildoers. The conclusion reached in this essay is that bioethical deliberations must defy biopolitics, and reject thoughtlessness that dismisses the assumption and adscription of responsibility. H. Arendt's thoughts on evil are incompatible with the essential premise of (bio) ethics based on evaluating acts performed in liberty and responsibility.

Keywords : Bioethics; banality of evil; non maleficence; radical evil.

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