Do junior academic bioethicists have an obligation to be activists?. (28th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moorlock, Greg
• Other Names: Draper Heather guestEditor.; Moorlock Greg guestEditor.; Rogers Wendy guestEditor.; Scully Jackie guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Bioethics. Volume 33:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: 922
• Page End: 930
• Publication Date: 2019-08-28
• Subjects: activism -- advocacy -- bioethics; Bioethics -- Periodicals; 174.957
• DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12649
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9702

Abstract

Abstract: Activism and bioethics have enjoyed a somewhat strained relationship. In this paper, I consider activism specifically from the perspective of junior academics. I will argue that although there may be a prima facie duty for bioethicists to be activists, countervailing considerations for junior academics may mean that they, in particular, should refrain from undertaking activist activities. I will argue this on the basis of two key claims. First, I argue that activism may come at a potential cost to the academics who undertake it, and that these costs are potentially of greatest detriment to junior academics undertaking activism. Second, I argue that junior academics are likely to be less effective activists than established academics. Moreover, undertaking activism as a junior academic may prevent one from becoming an effective activist later. Finally, I will discuss the implications of this argument for activist commitments later in one's career.