REFLEXIONS ON THE CONNECTION OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL PREMISES AND BIOETHICAL POSITIONS

Abstract

In bioethical debate of this moment, it is dominant the one-sided defi nition of aperson through the self-consciousness and rationality and the autonomy which relies on them.The body is considered only as the subject of empirical sciences and due to its biological functionssolely it has signifi cance for the science. But in what proportion is that understanding of thebody, and hence the body-mind relation, adequate? And is it true that identity can be groundedonly on self-affi rmation, without the relations toward other persons? In the moment at which theindividual is no more comprehended as quasi-atomized individual, but dimension of intesubjectivityis being included, thus the defi nition of the body must also expand. Communicationis based on corporeal expression of intentions, emotions and affections, shortly: on sensuousexpressions of subjectivity. Physiologically properly functioning body is always the body thatis at the same time expressed and perceived by others in its own expressivity. Ethics that wishesto protect the integrity of human life must comprehend the unity of body and mind, as well asinterpersonal relations. On the basis of the understanding of autonomy, the evaluation of bordersituations becomes also modifi ed.