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Beginning with a succinct history of medical ethics, this book examines the ethical dimensions of human experimentation, stem cell research, assisted reproductive technologies, termination of pregnancy, rationing of health care, euthanasia and quality of life.

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This book both presents a succinct history of medical ethics and discusses a wide range of important ethical dilemmas in the provision of modern health care. A synopsis is provided of ethics through the ages and the role of ethics in the evolution of medicine. Principles and sources of medical ethics, as well as different religious and secular perspectives, are explained. Ethical concerns in relation to a variety of specific issues are then examined. These issues include, for example, human experimentation, stem cell research, assisted reproductive technologies, termination of pregnancy, rationing of health care, euthanasia, and quality of life issues. The author´s many years of practicing medicine in different cultures and countries and his passion for theology works, philosophy, literature, poetry, history, and anthropology have informed and enriched the contents of this stimulating book.

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Part 1. Ethics through the ages: 1 . Early period.- 2. Greek period - Sophists and Socrates et al.- 3. Arab period.- 4. Bacon - Bertrand Russell.- 5. Voltaire - Dawkins- McIntyre.- Part 2. Metaphysics, religious- secular perspectives: 6. Analysis of secular and religious thought.- Part 3. Cultural anthropology and medical ethics: 7. Normative principles, autonomy, beneficence, non maleficence and justice.- 8. Universalism or Relativism.- 9. Medical ethics in a pluralistic society.- Part 4. Nomenclature and description: 10. Principles and sources of medical ethics.- 11. Justice: a pillar of ethics. Distributive justice and international clinical trials.- Part 5. The role of ethics in evolution of medicine: 12.Research ethics.- 13. Human experimentation.- 14. The scourge of drug trials.- 15. Human embryonic stem cell research.- 16. Stem cell in cultivation of sensory organs, curing deafness.- 17. Cybrid. Is science going mad?.- 18. Teaching medical ethics.- Part 6. Reproductive health, ART, IVF, Abortion, Pregenetic diagnosis (PGD): 19. Assisted Reproductive Technologies.- 20. IVF, Pre genetic diagnosis, termination of pregnancy.- 21. Surrogacy.- Part 7. Managed health care: 22. Rationing. Services within limited resources.- 23. Futility of treatment. Euthanasia.- 24. Therapeutic nihilism.- Part 8. Quality of life issues: 25. Care of the elderly, and QALYS.- 26. Hospices and palliative care.- 27. Controversial pathways , passive euthanasia. Assisted life termination.- 28. Assisted life prolongation and end of life issues.- Part 9. Physicians´ oaths: 29. Lessons drawn from Duae Makaram Al Akhlaq.- 30. Hippocratic oath and contemporary faith based oaths.

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From the reviews:

"This is a basic, yet highly organized, history of medical ethics that pays special attention to Islamic ethics and to contemporary ethical concerns and dilemmas. ... This book is suitable for healthcare professionals and students interested in a broader view of medical ethics that encompasses Islamic ethics. It will be especially useful for physicians living in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent." (Lauren L. Baker, Doody´s Book Reviews, October, 2014)
"Published by Springer this 320-page Book will be extremely useful for medical specialists, all healthcare professionals including medical students, nurses, paramedics and readers interested in philosophical, theological, secular and social issues. Physicians in Middle East and Indian sub-continent will find it of special interest though many healthcare professionals in Europe and USA will also find it quite informative and interesting to read." (Pulse International, pulsepakistan.com, March, 2014)

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