Autonomy Under Ignorance

Authors

Shannon Fyfe, Washington and Lee University School of LawFollow
Elizabeth Lanphier, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineFollow

Document Type

Response or Comment

Publication Title

American Journal of Bioethics

Publication Date

2025

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2025.2509939

Abstract

The article focuses on Daniel Villiger's examination of how informed consent can remain valid even under conditions of irreducible ignorance, especially when individuals cannot fully anticipate the consequences of transformative treatments. Topics include the concept of transformative experiences, the challenge of epistemic and personal change in consent, and the argument that such ignorance does not necessarily invalidate ethical decision-making.

Recommended Citation

Shannon Fyfe & Elizabeth Lanphier, Autonomy Under Ignorance, 25 Am. J. Bioethics 143 (2025).