Well and Good presents a combination of classic and little-known cases in health care ethics. These cases, accompanied by information about the major ethical theories, give students a chance to grapple with the ethical challenges faced by health care practitioners, policy makers, and recipients. The authors’ narrative style and leading questions provoke interest and engagement, while allowing readers to work through complicated issues for themselves. This fourth edition includes an expanded discussion of feminist ethics, as well as new cases addressing pandemic ethics, humanitarian aid, the social determinants of health, research and Aboriginal communities, and a number of other emerging issues.

John E. Thomas' profile page

Wilfrid J. Waluchow's profile page

Elisabeth Gedge's profile page

The late John Thomas taught in the Department of Philosophy at McMaster University for over 30 years.

Wilfrid J. Waluchow is Professor of Philosophy and Senator William McMaster Chair in Constitutional Studies at McMaster University and Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School.

Elisabeth Gedge is Chair of the Department of Philosophy at McMaster University.

“Perhaps the best text of its kind for undergraduate courses in Health Care Ethics and Health Science programs. It requires no previous knowledge of philosophy, is full of relevant and interesting case studies, and contains the most up-to-date information concerning health law and precedent-setting cases in a Canadian context. Maybe best of all, it’s sure to prove a powerful generator of class discussion.” — David C. Flagel, University of New Brunswick

“This new and improved edition of Well and Good offers an impressive selection of cases on a broad range of topics. An outstanding resource.” — David Rondel, University of Nevada, Reno

Comments on previous editions

“… superb … wide in scope but concrete in the way it grapples with these problems. It illuminates both the moral and the technical aspects of the field.” — Daniel Callahan, Hastings Center

“There are so few books like this … very helpful in showing how ethical theory can be applied in real life.” — Mary Bockover, University of California, Santa Barbara

“Well and Good covers a diverse range of issues using medically detailed cases. I particularly like how it addresses clinic and home settings as well as hospitals.” — Connie Perry, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences