Solidarity in Biomedicine and Beyond

Abstract

In times of global economic and political crises, the notion of solidarity is gaining new currency. This book argues that a solidarity-based perspective can help us to find new ways to address pressing problems. Exemplified by three case studies from the field of biomedicine: databases for health and disease research, personalised healthcare, and organ donation, it explores how solidarity can make a difference in how we frame problems, and in the policy solutions that we can offer.

The Ethical Spirit of EU Law

“…Based on the EU rules on non-financial reporting 29 for some large companies, the common good matrix, which lies at the heart of the Common Good Balance Sheet, is based on the values of "human dignity, solidarity and social justice, environmental sustainability, transparency and co-determination". 30 This is an example of values having a direct 26 On solidarity, see Prainsack and Buyx (2017). 27 See Footnote 25. emphases added.…”

Status Quo of Ethics and Morality in EU Law

“…Based on the EU rules on non-financial reporting 29 for some large companies, the common good matrix, which lies at the heart of the Common Good Balance Sheet, is based on the values of "human dignity, solidarity and social justice, environmental sustainability, transparency and co-determination". 30 This is an example of values having a direct 26 On solidarity, see Prainsack and Buyx (2017). 27 See Footnote 25. emphases added.…”

Democracy as Uninformed Non‐Consent

“…Having randomly selected citizens (rather than their elected representatives) serve on the corporate boards of biobanks seems like a promising idea. 18 Deliberative polling is less promising. 19 Using direct democratic methods, or having representatives selected by large numbers of voters, will probably make things worse.…”