Introduction

Research with human subjects exemplifies the perennial conflict between the good of the individual and the good of society. Policies and procedures that protect the rights and welfare of human subjects may hinder scientific research that benefits society. Due to this conflict, research with human subjects continues to be one of the most controversial topics in bioethics, despite ample government regulation, institutional oversight, and professional guidance. This chapter introduces the reader to a philosophical framework for thinking about these conflicts and issues. The framework, which will be described and defended in greater depth in subsequent chapters in the book, is grounded on widely accepted moral principles and the ethos of trust. The chapter also discusses seven controversial cases that serve to illustrate the importance of developing a philosophical framework for thinking about the ethics of research with human subjects. Cases discussed in the chapter include perinatal HIV prevention trials, the SUPPORT study, the Facebook deception study, xenotransplantation experiments, COVID-19 challenge studies, and the Henrietta Lacks case.