Jahr – European Journal of Bioethics is a journal that deals with a wide range of bioethical topics. The Editorial Board’s intention is to publish original scientific and professional papers related to bioethics in social, biomedical, and other sciences, and humanities. The journal is published twice a year. The journal publishes reviewed papers (double-blind peer review process), as well as papers which do not undergo the review process.
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine
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Nedić, Tomislav - Presađivanje organa – pravo, (bio)etika i moral, Medicinska naklada – Hrvatsko filozofsko društvo, Zagreb, 2023.,
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Editorial: A new chapter in continuity: Honoring the past, embracing the future of Jahr
Smisao života – od antike do egzistencijalizma i logoterapije
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.8 Smisao i svrha života u ovome radu dovode se u povezanost sa življenjem dobroga i sretnoga života, kao i s nadilaženjem potreba i pronalaskom „viših svrha”. Od pripadnika antičke filozofije istaknuti su Platon, Aristotel, Epiktet i Epikur, usuglašeni u tome da je za dobar i smislen život potrebna duhovna kultivacija samoga sebe. Potom se osvrćemo na filozofiju egzistencije i njezine temeljne pojmove kao što su sloboda i odgovornost, s naglaskom na individualnome pronalasku smisla osobe. Radom se nastoji: 1) objasniti ulogu i značaj smisla života; 2) prikazati neke od ključnih točaka u poimanju smisla života u antičkoj filozofiji i egzistencijalizmu te njihovim sličnostima i razlikama; 3) prikazati logoterapiju – psihoterapijski pravac predmetno usredotočen na smisao; i 4) ukazati na nezaobilaznu ulogu filozofije u potrazi za smislom. Nastoji se i evaluirati te pokazati da je pitanje smisla te njegova zahvaćanja i raskrivanja čovjeku univerzalno svojstveno, kao i da je to pitanje na koje se kroz povijest nastojalo odgovoriti na razne načine. Zaključuje se da se smisao može pronaći uz pomoć Drugoga i da do smisla svaki pojedinac dolazi svojim vlastitim individualnim putem i načinom.
svrha života, smisao života, logoterapija, Viktor E. Frankl, egzistencijalizam
Metodoontološko viđenje pojma mentalnog zdravlja kod Marxa,Freuda i frankfurtovaca
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.4 Autor u ovom istraživanju želi iz vlastita metodoontološkog viđenja razmotriti u današnje doba sve češće korišten pojam mentalnog zdravlja. To se nastoji ostvariti prateći tragove Ericha Fromma u okvirima VII. poglavlja knjige „S onu stranu okova iluzije” (1962), koje upravo nosi naziv „Pojam mentalnog zdravlja”. Ovdje on govori samo o Marxu, koji smatra zdravim čovjekom onoga tko je produktivan i tko se iskreno zanima za svijet, dok bi za Freuda „samo primitivan čovjek mogao biti nazvan zdravim”. Osim svih važnih Marxovih i Freudovih radova, kao i ovoga Frommovog djela, posebna će se pažnja posvetiti i drugim njegovim djelima, poput „Zdravog društva” (1955) i godinu dana kasnijeg „Umeća ljubavi” (1956), ali svakako i rada Herberta Marcusea, posebno u djelu koje je objavljeno u godini (1955) kada i Frommovo „Zdravo društvo” – „Eros i civilizacija”.
Metodoontologija, mentalno zdravlje, Karl Marks, Sigmund Frojd, Frankfurtovci, Erih From, Herbert Markuze
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.6 Ovaj rad, uz uvod i zaključak, podijeljen je na tri dijela. U prvom dijelu ukratko se izlažu biografski i bibliografski podatci hrvatskog filozofa Stjepana Zimmermanna (Virovitica, 24. prosinca 1884. – Zagreb, 13. travnja 1963.). U drugom dijelu predstavlja se Zimmermannova teistička filozofska pozicija. Zimmermann vrlo jasno u svojim filozofskim radovima zastupa kršćanski teistički nazor na život, a iz toga filozofskog nazora onda posljedično izvodi i daljnje korake za život pojedinca. O čovjeku i njegovu životu, odnosno o čovjekovoj egzistenciji kao pojedincu i kao onome koji živi među drugim ljudima, filozof Zimmermann promišlja u kontekstu filozofije života. U trećem dijelu rada izlaže se Zimmermannova moralna filozofija, koja obuhvaća i teorijsku i praktičnu stranu. Prema teističkom pogledu na moral Bog je vrhovna norma moralnosti, a osobni moralni život u svojoj biti nije ništa doli usavršavanje u Bogu, tj. osoba se sjedinjuje s Bogom, koji je vrhovno mjerilo moralne dobrote. Zaključak je rada da Zimmermann ne smatra nevažnim živi li pojedinac moralnim ili nemoralnim životom te da njegov život ima utjecaj i na njega osobno i na društvo u cjelini.
Stjepan Zimmermann, moralna filozofija, praksa, teizam, ateizam.
Psihoterapijski učinak promjene perspektive
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.7 Zapadni je čovjek danas postao zarobljenik jedne slike svijeta, jednoga (pre-)uskog (redukcionističkog?) viđenja sebe, svoga života, rada, ciljeva, smisla… Posljedično, čini se da su mnogi današnji čovjekovi psiho(-fizički) problemi uzrokovani upravo time, jer biti zarobljen u jednoj uskoj (npr. strogo materijalističkoj) slici svijeta i sebe lako dovodi do određene dezorijentiranosti, besmisla, nihilizma, izgubljenosti, strahova, bez oslonca i sigurnosti… već u svakodnevnom životu, a osobito kad se susretnemo s težim egzistencijalnim situacijama. Dio tih problema manifestira se na koncu u velikom porastu tzv. „specifično ljudskih bolesti”, kao što su neki karcinomi, ateroskleroza, probavne bolesti i sl. Svega toga je, naravno, bilo i ranije, ali u novije se doba dogodilo naglo povećanje. Posvemašnje odbacivanje naslijeđenih predaja i tradicija jedan je od glavnih uzroka toga, ističe Viktor Frankl, ali i mnogi drugi filozofi, antropolozi i psiholozi. Naime, čovjek je nedovršeno i slobodno biće, pa neprestano mora sam sebe „stvarati”, odnosno oblikovati i osmišljavati. No, s obzirom na gubitak tradicija i jasnih orijentira, to mu odjednom postaje pretežak zadatak u kojem se lako izgubi, a kao posljedica toga nastaju spomenuti problemi. Stoga uvođenje novih, dobro osmišljenih slika i dubinskih koncepata u naše živote često djeluje kao najbolja terapija.
filozofija egzistencije, psihoterapija, slika (svijeta), kognitivna metafora
Poteškoće i podrška obitelji djeceo boljele od rijetkih bolesti
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.10 Djeca oboljela od rijetkih bolesti imaju zdravstvene probleme koji zahtijevaju složenu zdravstvenu i roditeljsku skrb, a često se nalaze u životno ugrožavajućim stanjima. Zbog toga što su rijetke, kod ovih bolesti postoje brojni problemi vezani uz nedovoljna empirijska iskustva. Složena i dugotrajna dijagnostika, neizvjestan tijek i učinkovitost liječenja dovodi do psihofizičke iscrpljenosti roditelja te brojnih problema unutar obitelji. Obitelji djece susreću se s emocionalnim, socijalnim, ekonomskim, organizacijskim, etičkim i drugim teškoćama. Dok neke obitelji pokazuju pozitivan obrazac suočavanja s bolešću kroz traženje načina za ostvarenje što bolje kvalitete života, druge ostaju u fazi „sagorijevanja u bolesti”, što dovodi do psihosomatskih bolesti i narušavanja stabilnosti u funkcioniranju obitelji. Cilj je rada prikazati poteškoće obitelji djece oboljele od rijetkih bolesti, refleksiju bolesti djeteta na kvalitetu života obitelji te detektirane potrebne oblike podrške obiteljima.
rijetke bolesti, djeca, roditeljska skrb, podrška roditeljima
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.9 The connection between the metaphysics of the self and ethics is often relegated to the margins in the mainstream philosophies. Be it the empiricists following Hume concerning the gulf between the “is-ought” judgments or contemporary analytic philosophers who agree with G. E. Moore’s notion of the “naturalistic fallacy.” In this article, we focus on the relationship between the metaphysics of the self and its implications for ethics, particularly a bioethical perspective on the mental well-being of human beings in terms of compassion, empathy and love. Such a perspective has the potential of self-transformation by using the tools of Philosophical Counselling in tune with Krishnamurti’s insights and dialogues of Zen Kōans. Can we speak about empathy as a path or empathy as a goal? Also, can we speak about self-compassion and compassion for others as being separated or divided? The response lies beyond dualism, beyond categories that we are used to, that we are trained to see. Through the exploration of Krishnamurti’s insights on thought, memory, knowledge and experience, which show that these are always limited and therefore bring division and conflict, and then Zen Kōans as a dialogue between the master and a disciple(s), where disciple(s) should get freed from the ideas, forms, and all that is created by thought, we arrive at the place where duality ends. And where duality ends, there dwells empathy, love and compassion opening up possibilities for self-transformation through philosophising
Tomić, Draženko - Bioethical Miscellany, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher education, 2024
Information asymmetry in social policy towards people with blindness and visual impairment
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.1 Information asymmetry is a term that describes the unequal distribution of information between two or more actors that, depending on the context in which it occurs, leads to inefficiency, mistrust and, in extreme cases, deception when one party (participant in the relationship) exploits an information advantage over the other. The description of the concept of information asymmetry in social policy towards people with blindness and visual impairment creates a framework in which it is possible to observe and recognize difficulties in the provision of information and the use of rights and services in social and health care. Due to the occurrence of information asymmetry, people with blindness and visual impairment are in a disadvantaged position, as they are not sufficiently informed about services and opportunities for additional social and health care and therefore do not perceive the services as such, which contribute to their development and improvement of living conditions. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the relevant literature and to update the occurrence of information asymmetry in the area of the above-mentioned systems and policies. The paper addresses three key aspects of information asymmetry for people with blindness and visual impairment: the impact on people with blindness and visual impairment, the role of experts and the factors that make it difficult for them to reach their professional standards in the field of information, and, finally, the aspect of social policy and opportunities for policy development.
people with blindness and visual impairment
Borovečki, Ana – Klarica, Marijan (ur.) Medicinska etika Zagreb, Hrvatska sveučilišna naklada – Medicinski fakultet, 2023.
Arne Næss There is No Point of No Return Penguin Books, London 2021, pp. 102
Philosophy as therapy in a culture of personality disorders
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.4 Much of the current development of both philosophical practice and psychotherapy teases out the theoretical foundations of psychotherapy, on the one hand, and the practical, therapeutic applications of philosophy, on the other. This debate has led to different conceptualizations of both disciplines, where one of the proposals, espoused here, is that all of psychotherapy might be seen as inherently philosophical in nature, and that philosophical practice, especially philotherapy as its counseling offshoot, is in fact an integrative discipline bringing together a number of bioethical dimensions of both philosophy and psychotherapy. The paper explores several aspects through which the concept of psychic wellbeing, on the one hand, and the traditional philosophical concept of the good life, on the other, reflect two sides of the same normative structure of “normalcy” or “wellness” that reverberate through the drama of individual development and culture alike. This particularly reflects in the modern culture of narcissistic values, which casts a sequence of questions on whether, to what extent, and on what basis we can pathologize narcissism and value-charged personality disorders.
Kvalitativna analiza senzibiliteta društvenog okruženja prema obiteljima djece s teškoćama u razvoju i osoba s invaliditetom
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.2 Skrb o djeci s teškoćama u razvoju i osobama s invaliditetom crpi psihofizičke i ostale resurse roditelja te nepovoljno djeluje na njihovo zdravlje, zbog čega je izuzetno važna formalna i neformalna podrška društva. S obzirom na to da je jačanje bioetičkog senzibiliteta društva prema djeci s teškoćama u razvoju i osobama s invaliditetom preduvjet poticanja promjena na socijalno-političkom planu, osnovni cilj istraživanja bio je ostvariti dublji i detaljniji uvid u senzibilitet društvenog okruženja prema obiteljima djece s teškoćama u razvoju i osoba s invaliditetom. Pri tome su korištena roditeljska iskustva i perspektive prikupljene na istraživačkoj radionici, na kojoj je sudjelovalo 16 roditelja djece s teškoćama u razvoju i osoba s invaliditetom (jedanaest majki i pet očeva). Podaci su prikupljeni metodom vođene grupne rasprave te je provedena tematska analiza. Unatoč uočenim pozitivnim promjenama tijekom posljednjeg desetljeća senzibilitet društvenog okruženja prema obiteljima djece s teškoćama u razvoju i osoba s invaliditetom je iz roditeljske perspektive opisan kao nedostatan, i to na razinama formalnog i neformalnog okruženja. Rezultati upućuju na niz praktičnih smjernica usmjerenih k potrebama i podršci ovim obiteljima: potreba osnaživanja roditelja i obitelji, potreba jačanja stručnih kompetencija i komunikacijskih vještina stručnjaka te potreba daljnje senzibilizacije šireg društvenog okruženja o zahtjevima i izazovima života ovih obitelji.
roditeljstvo djece s teškoćama u razvoju i osoba s invaliditetom
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.3 At a certain stage in our existence, death will inevitably come to us all. Euthanasia and assisted suicide raise issues and pose questions that cannot be answered from the perspective of medicine alone. Disciplines such as bioethics, philosophy, and even literature and cinema also offer compelling frameworks from which to address such a complex phenomenon. The present paper explores the notions of euthanasia and assisted suicide through the lens of a contemporary British novel and its cinematic adaptation: Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You (2012), which was brought to the big screen by Thea Sharrock and released four years later in the UK. As has occurred with other writings and films that will be referenced, the novel and its adaptation provoked opposing reactions—many of them controversial. Is death a private choice in which no one but ourselves should interfere?
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.2 Bioetika je u Portugal stigla sa stanovitim „zakašnjenjem”: prvi je centar osnovan 1988. u Coimbri (Centro de Estudos de Bioética), potom prva katedra 1996. pri Medicinskom fakultetu Sveučilišta u Portu (Serviço de Bioética e Ética Médica), a 1998. osnovan je i Centar za bioetiku Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Lisabonu (Centro de Bioética da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa). Kao i Portugalsko društvo za bioetiku, koje je osnovano 2003., ove se ustanove bave isključivo biomedicinskom etikom. Nešto širu vizuru bioetike, izvan one angloameričke sužene na medicinsku praksu i biomedicinska istraživanja, gaji samo Institut za bioetiku Portugalskoga katoličkog sveučilišta. Pionirima portugalske bioetike i suosnivačima prvih institucija bili su patolog Daniel dos Santos Pinto Serrão (1928. – 2017.), farmakolog Walter Friedrich Alfred Osswald (r. 1928.), isusovac-molekularni genetičar Luís Jorge Peixoto Archer (1926. – 2011.), isusovac-filozof Roque Cabral (1927.-2021.), pedijatar Jorge Biscaia (1928. – 2014.), kao i filozofski par Renaud – Isabel Carmelo Rosa (r. 1942.) i Michel (r. 1941.). Temeljem pregleda literature, osobnih kontakata i rezultata terenskog istraživanja ovaj rad nudi kratak pregled nastanka i razvoja bioetike na portugalskom tlu: počev od institucionalnog doprinosa pa sve do prinosa pojedinaca.
Homo absconditus u duhu filozofske prakse
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.11 „Čovjek više treba psiho-sintezu nego psiho-analizu”, piše ruski filozof Nikolaj Berdjajev, na čijem tragu ovaj rad želi istražiti sakrivenog čovjeka, u vidu psiho-sinteze koju može ponuditi filozofska praksa, jer čovjek je prema istom filozofu „zagonetka u ovom svijetu, možebitno i najveća zagonetka”. Odgonetanje te zagonetke, tog Homo absconditusa objelodanit će čovjeka drugačijeg od onog kojem je potrebna psihoterapija, kao oblik njege njegove duševne sastavine da se nosi s društvom, društveno-socijalnim, društveno-tehničko-ustrojstvenim stvarnostima vlastite neposredne realnosti. U duhu dobre filozofske prakse, usmjerene na liječenje čovjeka pod vidom psiho-sinteze mora se skrenuti pozornost na lučenje onoga sakrivenog u čovjeku, onoga što postoji pod maskom njegove društvene persone kao „stvaran čovjek”, a koji je u vidu psihoanalize „sjena” ili sakriveni, onaj do kojeg se mora doprijeti kako bi se uopće pristupilo putu njegova izlječenja.
Homo absconditus, filozofska praksa, psiho-sinteza, Berdjajev.
Learner perception changes of ChatGPT over ten days: Focusing on psychological anthropomorphism, privacy concerns and trust
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.12 Given the increasing popularity of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) among students, this study examined learners' experiences before and after a Python programming course using ChatGPT, conducted as part of a data-processing course. Using a pre-post study design, we gathered data from 23 participants to investigate the changes in learners’ perceptions of ChatGPT, including perceived psychological anthropomorphism, privacy concerns, trust in ChatGPT, and continuance intentions. Our quantitative analysis revealed that perceived psychological anthropomorphism, privacy concerns, and trust increased significantly after participating in the course. The study also found that, despite being beginners in programming, learners showed a willingness to continue exploring related content after participating in the course. The participants also expressed that the use of ChatGPT lowered barriers to learning programming and text mining. These findings should be considered when planning or designing GAI-related literacy education programmes in the future.
Artificial inteligence Humanities (AIH special section)
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.9 This article examines six contemporary Kantian approaches to Judith Jarvis Thomson’s famous trolley problem, a thought experiment that continues to challenge philosophers and non-philosophers alike. The approaches analyzed include those of Paul Guyer, Pauline Kleingeld, Samuel Kerstein, Elke Elisabeth Schmidt, James Edwin Mahon, and Allen Wood. All of these philosophers attempt to reconcile Kant’s moral framework on the one side with the ethical issues raised by the trolley problem on the other. However, this article highlights and elaborates on significant challenges to each philosopher’s approach, pointing to potential flaws and inconsistencies. In engaging critically with these varied Kantian approaches, the article not only highlights their limitations, but also revisits Thomson’s original framing of the problem in order to assess the latter’s enduring significance and to delve into some of the systemic issues inherent in trolleyology. It is argued that recognizing these systemic issues is crucial for advancing a more robust Kantian solution to the trolley problem, one that remains faithful to Kantian principles while nonetheless addressing the complexities of moral decision-making in such situations.
Improving fine-grained emotion classification using LLMs through sequential learning of emotions
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.13 This study proposes an approach to improving emotion classification performance by introducing a Sequential Emotion Learning (SEL) method. Conventional learning methods often struggle with fine-grained emotion categories. To address this, the SEL approach first trains the model on seven basic emotions, which are relatively easier to classify due to their clear distinctions. The model is then fine-tuned using 24 more nuanced emotion labels, enhancing its ability to tackle complex emotion classification tasks. Experimental results suggest that the SEL method performs better than the baseline, achieving higher accuracy from the early stages of training. The SEL model also reaches its peak performance relatively quickly and shows improved classification capabilities on unseen, general sentences, indicating its robustness across different text scenarios. These results suggest that the SEL method can effectively improve emotion classification, particularly in tasks that require distinguishing complex emotions. This sequential learning approach offers a potential advantage over traditional methods and may be applied to other domains that involve intricate classification tasks. Future research can explore the generalizability of this method to other classification problems to further enhance its utility.
Lažne vijesti, digitalne tehnologije i erozija individualne autonomije u svijetlu Kantove etike
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.8 Digitalne tehnologije radikalno mijenjaju epistemičko okruženje u kojem se građani nalaze. Oblikujući kako građani prikupljaju informacije, kako komuniciraju ili kako donose odluke, digitalne tehnologije formiraju nove epistemičke prakse koje otvaraju prostor za neke stare, kao i za nove oblike manipulacije. Rad započinje analizom Kantova pojma autonomije volje te pokazuje kako i u kojim slučajevima ova autonomija može biti ugrožena. Nastavlja pružajući uvide kako digitalne tehnologije mogu ugroziti autonomiju građana, te analizira sposobnost algoritama umjetne inteligencije da kroz mikro-ciljanje i sustave preporuka šire lažne vijesti i političku propagandu. Nadalje, rad razmatra štetan utjecaj ovih tehnologija na epistemičke prakse građana, naglašavajući tendenciju algoritama umjetne inteligencije da dovode do stvaranja epistemičkih balona ili do pretjeranog oslanjanja na velike jezične modele, pri čemu dolazi do slabljenja individualne sposobnosti prosuđivanja. Završno se razmatraju neki modeli regulacije ovih tehnologija te se ističe Kantovsko uporište za opravdanje takvih praksi.
sustavi preporuka, mikrociljanje, veliki jezični modeli, lažne vijesti, epistemički baloni, heteronomija volje
Scaling Up: Analyzing Classification Outcomes in Large Korean Legal Document Datasets
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.12 This paper proposes an integrated approach that combines artificial intelligence models for automatic classification and prediction of Korean legal judgments. Given the complexity of the Korean legal system and the diversity of its legal issues, this study utilizes a transformer-based model, specifically, KLUE/BERT and KLUE/RoBERTa, to classify and predict legal judgment documents. By leveraging these models, this study addresses the challenges posed by the intricate legal language and diverse topics within Korean legal documents, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of classification tasks. The proposed approach enhances the automation and reliability of legal document predictions, demonstrating exceptional performance in managing the complexities of legal language. Specifically, the models facilitate a deeper understanding of the context of Korean legal judgments, thereby increasing the reliability of the prediction results. Moreover, this study introduces a novel integrated framework that significantly enhances the performance of automated legal document processing and prediction systems. This framework supports legal consultations, document management, and automated judgment systems, representing a significant advancement in the application of artificial intelligence in the legal domain.
Legal Case Classification, Legal Analysis, Transformer Model, Legal Text Processing
Exploring Kant’s Perspective on (Self-)Ownership and Property Rights in Human Body Parts:Exploring Kant’s Perspective on (Self-)Ownership and Property Rights in Human Body Parts
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.7 The paper questions the normative framework of the designation of body parts as things in civil law doctrine and the possibility of legal disposal of body parts in the context of Kant’s moral philosophy. Kant derives the formation of private legal (subjective) rights from the preliminary separation of things and persons and the second formulation of the categorical imperative. In discussing the concept of private law and property rights that are possible only concerning the human-thing relationship, Kant consequently talks about issues of self-ownership and property rights to one’s body and its parts. Although he explicitly wrote about the impossibility of self-ownership of the body and, in principle, the impossibility of disposing of its parts, it must be remembered that Kant could not foresee all the possible achievements, perspectives, and trials of modern transplant medicine. In the paper, Kant’s basic bioethical and private law concepts (primarily ownership and property rights) are placed in the context of (legal) disposal of body parts. In any exposition and discussion of the Kantian-based opinion on dispositions of body parts, we should not necessarily and exclusively be guided by Kant’s explicit writings on actual legal dispositions of body parts. We should consider the broader framework of Kant’s deontological ethics and Kant’s understanding of persons and things. Such an interpretation can lead to the conclusion that there are no obstacles to basing property rights in body parts but limited property rights, with the classification of body parts as things restricted in legal circulation, which is the opinion that prevails in certain statutory private law provisions and writings of civil law doctrine.
Kant, body parts, person, thing, transplantation, organs, property rights, ownership, private law
Kantian Dignity and the Allocation of Scarce, Life Saving Resources
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.6 This article explores how we ought, morally speaking, to allocate scarce, life-saving resources such as ventilators or intensive care beds. When there are not enough resources to distribute to all who want and need them, who should receive them? Through an examination of several cases, the article probes the implications regarding this question of two Kantian accounts of respect for the dignity of persons, one an orthodox Kantian account based on an interpretation of the Formula of Humanity and the other an unorthodox reconstruction of part of this formula. The article also investigates the implications of a contemporary triage scheme developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Framework. Each of these three bases for scarce resource distribution has some plausible and implausible results regarding cases that involve patients of various ages, future lifespans (if given the resource), and socioeconomic status (disadvantage). While the article does not intend to vindicate or condemn any one method of distribution, it does aim to illustrate that Kantian thinking can play a salutary role in making hard decisions about scarce medical resource allocation.
triage, Kant, dignity, COVID-19, equity, respect for persons, scarce resource allocation
From Meaningful Instructions to Learned Illness
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.5 This paper explores the balance between stability and adaptability in cognitive development, particularly through an enactivist lens, mainly through Piaget's concepts of assimilation and accommodation and Eigen's concept of self-organization. The central idea is that while stability is necessary for cognitive resilience, adaptability is essential for handling new experiences. Psychopathology is examined as a breakdown in this balance, where maladaptive coping mechanisms prevent accommodation, reinforcing negative mental patterns. Disorders like OCD, BDD, and anxiety are discussed to show how fears or negative beliefs can become self-sustaining cycles, leading to entrenched maladaptive behaviors. The text also emphasizes that an accurate self-concept is crucial for mental health, as distorted self-perceptions can fuel psychopathological cycles.
Political AI and the General Will of Rousseau
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.13 In this paper, I aim to compare Rousseau’s concept of the General Will with generative AI based on artificial neural network deep learning algorithms from the perspective of a rule-based ethical framework. To this end, I focus on Rousseau’s issue of the “formation, concentration, and fulfillment of the General Will” to explore the implications of AI use for democracy, particularly in the contexts of democratic decision-making and public policy formulation. As an alternative for realizing the General Will in lawmaking and public policy development, AI can be considered for gathering public opinion and facilitating decision-making processes. AI-driven opinion-gathering and decision-making can overcome the practical challenges of forming the General Will in democratic systems, including conflicts between majority and minority groups. Furthermore, unlike humans influenced by partisan loyalty or political interests, AI can identify the best policies for everyone in an unbiased manner, fostering broad agreement. Additionally, I critically examine potential issues arising from the politicization of AI, despite its advantages in addressing the weaknesses of democratic systems.
General Will, generative AI, political AI, legislation, public policy
Kant and His Significance for Current Bioethical Issues
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.10 In this contribution, I discuss some of Kant’s impulses for modern bioethics based on his ethical standards, showing how they align with contemporary issues and how they help develop answers to new types of questions. First, I analyse the living environment and present Kant as a thinker about self-organising beings, attempting to show some perspectives for current debates on animal and environmental ethics. I then focus on the question of a human being as a dignified being. In this context, I discuss the question of whether a Neanderthal would count as a dignified being if it were possible to breed him in a research laboratory. Finally, by introducing cybrids and brain chimaeras, I discuss the project of creating human-animal mixtures.
Kant, philosophy of organism, environmental ethics, human dignity, resurrection of Neanderthals, cybrids, hybrids, brain chimaeras, human-animal beings