Albert R. Jonsen

Albert R. Jonsen
Born	April 4, 1931 San Francisco, California, USA
Died	October 21, 2020 San Francisco, California, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Bioethicist, Professor
Known for	Contributions to bioethics, co-founding the field of clinical ethics

Albert R. Jonsen (April 4, 1931 – October 21, 2020) was a prominent American bioethicist and a pioneer in the field of clinical ethics. He was instrumental in shaping the discourse around medical ethics and played a significant role in the development of ethical guidelines for medical practice.

Early Life and Education

Albert R. Jonsen was born in San Francisco, California. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Loyola University Chicago, where he developed an interest in philosophy and ethics. Jonsen later attended the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he earned his Ph.D. in religious studies, focusing on the intersection of ethics and medicine.

Academic Career

Jonsen began his academic career as a professor of ethics at the University of San Francisco. His work in ethics led him to become one of the founding figures in the field of bioethics. In 1972, he joined the faculty at UCSF, where he co-founded the Program in Medical Ethics.

Contributions to Bioethics

Albert Jonsen was a key figure in the development of bioethics as a distinct field of study. He was one of the original members of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, which was responsible for the creation of the Belmont Report. This report laid the foundation for ethical guidelines in research involving human subjects.

Jonsen is perhaps best known for his work in clinical ethics, a subfield of bioethics that focuses on ethical issues in clinical practice. He co-authored the influential book Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine, which is widely used in medical education.

Major Works

• Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine (with Mark Siegler and William J. Winslade)
• The Birth of Bioethics
• A Short History of Medical Ethics

Legacy

Albert R. Jonsen's contributions to the field of bioethics have had a lasting impact on medical practice and education. His work helped establish ethical frameworks that guide clinical decision-making and research ethics today. Jonsen's influence extends beyond academia, as his teachings and writings continue to inform ethical standards in healthcare.

Also see

• Bioethics
• Clinical ethics
• Belmont Report
• Medical ethics