Toward a Critical Theory of Harm: Ableism, Normativity, and Transability (BIID)

APA Newsletter on Philosophy and Medicine, Vol. 16, No. 1 (Fall 2016)

11 Pages Posted: 28 Feb 2018

See all articles by Joel Michael Reynolds

Joel Michael Reynolds

Georgetown University - Department of Philosophy; Georgetown University - Kennedy Institute of Ethics; The Greenwall Foundation; The Hastings Center

Date Written: November 18, 2016

Abstract

Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is a very rare condition describing those with an intense desire or need to move from a state of ability to relative impairment, typically through the amputation of one or more limbs. In this paper, I draw upon research in critical disability studies and philosophy of disability to critique arguments based upon the principle of nonmaleficence against such surgery. I demonstrate how the action-relative concept of harm in such arguments relies upon suspect notions of biological and statistical normality, and I contend that each fail to provide normative guidance. I then propose a critical theory of harm, one marked by substantive engagement with both empirical and reflective inquiry across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. I conclude by discussing implications of a critical theory of harm and how it might enrich ongoing debates in bioethics, philosophy of disability, and the health humanities more broadly.

Keywords: Body Integrity Identity Disorder, BIID, Transability, Disability, Ableism, Nonmaleficence, Bioethics

Suggested Citation

Reynolds, Joel Michael, Toward a Critical Theory of Harm: Ableism, Normativity, and Transability (BIID) (November 18, 2016). APA Newsletter on Philosophy and Medicine, Vol. 16, No. 1 (Fall 2016) , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3125032

Joel Michael Reynolds (Contact Author)

Georgetown University - Department of Philosophy ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/0031Q00002G0rLMQAZ/joel-michael-reynolds

Georgetown University - Kennedy Institute of Ethics ( email )

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The Greenwall Foundation ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://https://greenwall.org/faculty-scholars-program/our-faculty-scholars/joel-reynolds-phd

The Hastings Center ( email )

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United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.thehastingscenter.org/team/joel-michael-reynolds/

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