The compelling need for ethics and bioethics

Abstract

This paper discusses the necessity of ethics and bioethics, through the support of Paul Ricoeur and Hannah Arendt, both in conjunction  with Habermas. From Ricoeur, we analyze the formula of ethical architecture. With Arendt, we attribute value to living together, to politics and to responsibility for the world. We focus bioethics and the discussion about limits in the collective  life; then, we move on to consider the notion  of the other and of seeking consensus, stating a seven-principle proposal. We believe that in our time, the tragedy of action and the uncertainty of choices, bioethics and ethical refection are imperative to the claim of respect for oneself and the other, along with the demand for autonomy and individual and collective well-being.