Abstract

This paper aims at discussing the different applications of the method of justification known as 'reflective equilibrium" to bioethical problems. In the first part, it reconstructs its description made by John Rawls in "A Theory of Justice," his further distinction between "Narrow" and "Wide" Reflective Equilibrium and his own applications to eugenics and abortion. In the second part, it discusses the extension made by Norman Daniels of Rawls' theory of justice, his applications of the referred method and his contributions to bioethics, especially for the construction of a fair health care system. In the third part, it deals with the adoption of the method made by Beauchamp and Childress. In the conclusion, some criticism addressed to the method of the reflective equilibrium and its applications to bioethics are assessed.

Keywords: justice, egalitarianism, fairness, democracy.