VULNERABILITY. THE PROFOUNDNESS OF A BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLE

Abstract

The principle of vulnerability is an essential principle in European bioethics, given that it precedes and has priority over the other principles. This principle, stated in the Barcelona Declaration is also specified in the Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights. This broadens its horizon from a European level, to a universal level. For these reasons, it is essential for us to take time to consider in depth about its meaning. This article offers, for the accomplishment of this task, some key questions in a synthetic manner, presenting the DNA of vulnerability in eight frames: cultural, social, institutional, anthropological, emotional, relational, biographical and professional.