Category Archives: Uncategorized
Ethics of Placebos
The ethics of the use of placebos is an issue that arises frequently in discussions of the ethics of complementary and alternative medicine. Critics refer to homeopathy, for example, as “merely” an elaborate placebo system. But at least some defenders
Ethics of Placebos
The ethics of the use of placebos is an issue that arises frequently in discussions of the ethics of complementary and alternative medicine. Critics refer to homeopathy, for example, as “merely” an elaborate placebo system. But at least some defenders
Is the Ethical Problem Homeopathy, or Homeopaths?
Homeopathy isn’t unethical, it’s just controversial, by Jon Wardle for The Conversation (2012) This interesting short piece argues that the problem isn’t homeopathy per se; the problem is certain practitioners who don’t reliably inform their patients properly about what homeopathy
Is the Ethical Problem Homeopathy, or Homeopaths?
Homeopathy isn’t unethical, it’s just controversial, by Jon Wardle for The Conversation (2012) This interesting short piece argues that the problem isn’t homeopathy per se; the problem is certain practitioners who don’t reliably inform their patients properly about what homeopathy
Faith Healing, Religious Freedom, & Child Protection
Faith Healing: Religious Freedom vs. Child Protection, by Harriet Hall Here’s a bit of the conclusion…. The medical ethics principle of autonomy justifies letting competent adults reject lifesaving medical care for themselves because of their religious beliefs, but it does
Faith Healing, Religious Freedom, & Child Protection
Faith Healing: Religious Freedom vs. Child Protection, by Harriet Hall Here’s a bit of the conclusion…. The medical ethics principle of autonomy justifies letting competent adults reject lifesaving medical care for themselves because of their religious beliefs, but it does
Naturopathy and Parental Duties
Here’s a 10-minute TV news item about the death of a Canadian toddler named Ezekial Stephan. He died of bacterial meningitis and lung infection, after his parents refused conventional medical treatment and sought out naturopathic options instead. Responsibility for providing
Naturopathy and Parental Duties
Here’s a 10-minute TV news item about the death of a Canadian toddler named Ezekial Stephan. He died of bacterial meningitis and lung infection, after his parents refused conventional medical treatment and sought out naturopathic options instead. Responsibility for providing
The ‘Alternativization’ of Women’s Health
Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fire? The Alternativization of Women’s Health, by Chris MacDonald in the Annals of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (2002) This short article argues that if women are (as
The ‘Alternativization’ of Women’s Health
Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fire? The Alternativization of Women’s Health, by Chris MacDonald in the Annals of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (2002) This short article argues that if women are (as
Alt Med Codes of Ethics
This page will be a running list of codes of ethics of various practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine. Note: No attempt is made here to achieve a complete listing. Just a sample. Statement of Ethics – Therapeutic Touch Network
Alt Med Codes of Ethics
This page will be a running list of codes of ethics of various practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine. Note: No attempt is made here to achieve a complete listing. Just a sample. Statement of Ethics – Therapeutic Touch Network
‘Straw Man’ Arguments in Alternative Medicine
The straw men of integrative health and alternative medicine, by Timothy Caulfield (in BMJ) Here’s the first bit of the commentary: Debating the value of integrative health and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can be a frustrating endeavour. Proponents are often
‘Straw Man’ Arguments in Alternative Medicine
The straw men of integrative health and alternative medicine, by Timothy Caulfield (in BMJ) Here’s the first bit of the commentary: Debating the value of integrative health and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can be a frustrating endeavour. Proponents are often
Homeopathy Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics and Practice of the Homeopathic Medical Association (U.K.) Section 3 is particularly interesting: 3. HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH PATIENTS. 3.1. All Members must maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct. 3.2. Courtesy, patience and understanding should be
Homeopathy Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics and Practice of the Homeopathic Medical Association (U.K.) Section 3 is particularly interesting: 3. HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH PATIENTS. 3.1. All Members must maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct. 3.2. Courtesy, patience and understanding should be
JME Editorial: Funding Unscientific ‘Remedies’
Here’s an editorial that appeared a few years back in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Full text at the link: Homeopathy is where the harm is: five unethical effects of funding unscientific ‘remedies’ by David Shaw The editorial’s bottom line: To
JME Editorial: Funding Unscientific ‘Remedies’
Here’s an editorial that appeared a few years back in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Full text at the link: Homeopathy is where the harm is: five unethical effects of funding unscientific ‘remedies’ by David Shaw The editorial’s bottom line: To
Bioethics: Alternative Medicine
The peer-reviewed scholarly journal Bioethics recently published a special issue on ‘Complementary & Alternative Medicine’ (CAM): Ethical and Policy Issues
Bioethics: Alternative Medicine
The peer-reviewed scholarly journal Bioethics recently published a special issue on ‘Complementary & Alternative Medicine’ (CAM): Ethical and Policy Issues
Ethics of Complementary & Alternative Medicine 
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