Theory and the organic bioethicist

This article argues for the importance of theoretical reflections that originate from patients' experiences. Traditionally academic philosophers have linked their ability to theorize about the moral basis of medical practice to their role as outside observer. The author contends that recently a new type of reflection has come from within particular patient populations. Drawing upon a distinction created by Antonio Gramsci, it is argued that one can distinguish the theory generated by traditional bioethicists, who are academically trained, from that of "organic" bioethicists, who identify themselves with a particular patient community. The characteristics of this new type of bioethicist that are explored in this article include a close association of memoir and philosophy, an interrelationship of theory and praxis, and an intimate connection between the individual and a particular patient community.