Autonomy and Solidarity two conflicting values in bioethics? British and French perspectives on two core values in health care and medicine . (360G-Wellcome-106152_Z_14_Z)

We would like to hold a one and a half day workshop with scholars from Great Britain (n=5) and France (n=5). Our aim is to deepen the analysis of two core values in bioethics debates that are sometimes seen as contrasting: respect for autonomy and solidarity. Whereas respect for autonomy is the leading principle of British as well as wider Anglo-American health care ethics, solidarity is dominant in the French and broader continental European discourse. By exploring the culture-specific meaning and use of normative concepts we will improve synergies between bioethical discussions and scholarships between countries. This, in turn, will inform the development of ethical frameworks that respond to the social and cultural variety of different countries, hence contribute to the internationalisation of bioethics. More precisely, we suggest exploring the role of both concepts in health care law and politics, as well as in the professional, and academic discourse in each country. Furthermore , we examine how the different approaches are reflected in health care practices. Invited speakers are from different disciplinary backgrounds including law, bioethics, philosophy, history, and sociology.