Medical professionals are often asked to make life or death choices. How can humankind’s knowledge about what is “good” help? In this talk, explore the intersection of philosophy and healthcare with philosopher William Kabasenche. Does good medical care require a knowledge of ethics? Can an unethical doctor still be effective? 

With real-life examples including issues of informed consent, medical confidentiality, and conflicts-of-interest, discover what ethical medicine means for those of us who are patients, and how it informs what we can and should expect from our providers. The talk will also look at some examples of more contested issues in healthcare where there is disagreement about what good care looks like. And learn why some of the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers are directly linked to the provider’s success. 

William Kabasenche (he/him) is a professor of philosophy in Washington State University’s School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs and the Ethics Thread Director for WSU’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. His research and teaching focus on ethical issues in the healthcare professions, biomedical research, and biotechnology. He is passionate about nurturing respectful and productive conversations about complicated ethical issues.

Kabasenche lives in Pullman.

This talk is presented in partnership with The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, which educates citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affairs, and is based at Washington State University. For more information, visit The Foley Institute’s website.