SEARCHING A LANGUAGE FOR MEDICAL-ETHICS

After World War II, the interest in medical ethics increased and sever al international codes defending patients rights appeared. Four pragma tic, non ideological and non religious principles were defined to anal yze clinical ethical problems. Autonomy, the capacity of self manageme nt and to reach our own informed decisions; the informed consent is th e way to accomplish this principle. Beneficence, the basic principle o f medical acts, with the risk of being transformed in an extreme pater nalism. A reinterpretation of beneficence equilibrates the rights of p atients physicians. Non wickedness, first of all not to harm, a Hippoc ratic idea to prevent iatrogenesis and Justice, to maintain personal, social political equity. These principles are a language, an ethical a nalysis methodology and give clues for our relationship with patients. They are a guide for personal analysis, reflection and change and sho w a collective and individual path to incorporate ethics to our daily work.