Bioethics Meets Political Philosophy

This special issue of Diametros critically examines the evolving relationship between bioethics and political philosophy, focusing on the limitations of autonomy-centric and neutrality-based liberalism in addressing contemporary bioethical challenges. Through four contributions, by Greg Bognar, Søren Holm, Jurga Jonutytė, and Thaddeus Metz, the issue explores the normative tensions surrounding genetic enhancement, the exclusionary use of public reason in bioethics, the ontological dimensions of identity under institutional humiliation, and the moral justification of healthcare allocation. Drawing on real-world examples such as vaccine hesitancy, conscientious objection in healthcare, disability activism, and treatment prioritization, the authors argue for a rethinking of liberal frameworks in light of biopolitical complexity.