https://doi.org/10.4081/mem.2006.357

Universality and cultural diversity

Vol. 55 No. 3 (2006)
Published: June 30, 2006
Universalità, diversità culturale, dichiarazione universale su bioetica e diritti umani / Universality, cultural diversity, universal declaration on bioethics and human rights
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Authors

Patricio Ventura-Juncá
venturaj@med.puc.cl
MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Bioethics, Center for Bioethics, Pontificia Universidad Catòlica de Chile; Member of the Governing Council, Pontificia Academia Pro Vita, Holy See, Chile.
L'articolo è incentrato sul tema della universalità e della diversità culturale nell'ambito dell bioetica, e mostra come questi elementi appaiono nella Dichiarazione Universale su Bioetica e Diritti Umani dell'UNESCO, che è stata il risultato di un lungo e fruttuoso dialogo, in cui i rappresentanti di molti paesi e culture hanno presero parte attiva. La diversità culturale esiste: è un fatto, riconosciuto oggi come una ricchezza grande per l'umanità; ma allo stesso tempo nella scienza sperimentale e nella filosofia, lo spirito umano cerca sempre l'universalità. In questo senso la bioetica non fa eccezione. Il primo e basilare principio universale stabilito nella Dichiarazione dell'UNESCO è quello di dignità umana. Questo concetto è la pietra angolare che sostiene gli altri principi -come il rispetto per la vita e il consenso informato. La dignità umana è un valore di ordine più alto e nonostante le differenze culturali è riconosciuto ovunque. E' possibile, tuttavia, che in culture diverse esso possa essere compreso da prospettive differenti e con gradi di enfasi diversi.
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This article is about universality and cultural diversity in the field of bioethics, showing how these elements appear into the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, that has been the result of a lengthy and fruitful dialogue, in which representatives of many countries and cultures took an active part. Cultural diversity exists: it is a fact, recognized today as a great wealth for mankind, but at the same time in both experimental science and philosophy, the human spirit always seeks universality. Bioethics is no exception. The first and basic universal principle established in the UNESCO Declaration is that of human dignity. This concept is the corner stone that supports the other principles - like respect for life and informed consent. Human dignity is a value of the highest order and despite cultural differences it is recognized worldwide. Possibly, however, in different cultures it may be understood from different perspectives and with different degrees of emphasis.

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How to Cite

Ventura-Juncá, P. (2006). Universality and cultural diversity. Medicina E Morale, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/mem.2006.357

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