The Future of Consent

The research addresses the value that should be accorded to individual autonomy through a consideration of the nature, role and ethical and legal importance of informed consent. In regulatory contexts a demand for informed consent is seen as the expression of respect for individual autonomy. The principle of autonomy, although fundamental, is itself to be balanced against other fundamental normative principles. Aside from difficulties in the application of general principles to particular cases, and of balancing distinct moral principles, it is unclear why individual autonomy should be so dominant.

Why, and in what contexts, is the individual so important that his or her consent can determine what is permissible

How should we understand the significance of individual consent in cultural contexts where the collective plays a much greater role?

How can individuals process and understand the information required of them in those complex decisional contexts, where consent is required?

Why would it not be rational for individuals to place their trust in professionals?

What is the basis for the assumption that many human interactions place an obligation upon certain parties to inform others of their intentions?

In these two workshops on The Future of Consent internationally renowned academics will have the opportunity to examine issues at the heart of contemporary moral, legal and political philosophy surrounding the importance accorded to consent and individual autonomy. Those present at these workshops will offer contrasting views on autonomy and informed consent. Some see infomed consent as no longer being of central importance. Some think it retains its importance but that it is crucial to think afresh about what it means and what it requires.

This international group of scholars represent the disciplines of philosophy, psychology, and medical law and represent fourteen universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.

It is intended that selected papers from these workshops will comprise the collection provisionally entitled 'The Future of Consent', to be edited by the PI and Co-Investigator.

Academics and professionals from all relevant disciplines will be made aware of and encouraged to attend these workshops. It is intended that there will be two workshops. The first (September 2009) in China will be attended by key participants from the UK and the US and a number of invited respondents from Chinese philosophy, its location will ensure a high attendance from Chinese scholars and researchers. It will address the normative question of whether respect for individual autonomy has global appeal and application. The second workshop will be in the United Kingdom in April 2010. Its principal focus will be the challenges to autonomy from psychology, law and medicine, but will include a final roundtable session with the aim of summarizing the debates, identifying and clarifying key themes, and highlighting topics for future research and collaboration.

The contributors to the project comprise:

Professor Gerald Dworkin (UC Davis)
Professor Onora O'Neill (Cambridge)
Professor Allen Buchanan (Duke)
Professor Margot Brazier (Manchester)
Professor P.S. Appelbaum (Columbia)
Professor Ruth M. Faden (Johns Hopkins)
Professor Douglas Husak (Rutgers)
Professor Qiu renzong (Institute of Philosophy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)
Professor Zhai xiaomei (Executive Director of Center for Bioethics, Peking Union Medical School)
Dr Angus Dawson (Keele)
Professor Roger Brownsword (King's College London)
Professor Jerry Gaus (Arizona)
Professor Margaret Battin (Utah)
Professor Michael Schober (New School for Social Research, New York)

Additional respondents to workshop papers by the above will be selected from relevant academic disciplines.