For the Common Good

An exceptional book that should receive wide attention... much of the field has been groping piecemeal toward what London has done in this book... a philosophical tour de force... this book deserves to be recognized as a vital foundation on which policy progress should-indeed, must-be built. * Nancy M. P. King, Hastings Center Report * London's new book is a remarkable achievement. It offers a compelling and coherent vision of the philosophical foundations of research ethics, resituating the research enterprise within the broader activity of creating a just social order.... it provides an attractive, systematic alternative to prominent approaches which neglect this value in favor of the principles of beneficence and respect for persons. Despite his focus on the philosophical foundations of research ethics, moreover, London's analysis is informed by his deep knowledge of the practices of research and ethics oversight. For the Common Good makes a major contribution to the field of research ethics. * Douglas Mackay, Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal * While I do not agree with London's overall approach to foundations of human research ethics, I have learned a great deal from reading his book. The book has helped me to see familiar issues in a different way and has prompted me to rethink my own views. London succeeds in showing why it is necessary to expand the scope of human research ethics beyond its current confines to adequately deal with questions of national and international justice. He also succeeds in developing a rigorous and thoughtful approach to the foundations of human research ethics that is likely to stimulate further inquiry and debate. Based on these two accomplishments alone, London's book can be regarded as a major contribution to the literature on human research ethics and its philosophical foundations. * David B. Resnik, Perspectives in Biology and Medicine * The book is a valuable contribution to a growing body of literature that expresses dissatisfaction with the current state of biomedical research. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought matters of research ethics closer to the fore, and not always with favorable results. It may be that now is as good a time as any to rethink our research institutions. London's book is a model for how philosophers can contribute, and if they would like to help, familiarity with his ideas should be part of the table stakes for the conversation. * Andrew Garland, Journal of Applied Philosophy * An outstanding work. London has produced a book that is philosophically rich and practically relevant with deep insights about justice, the common good, and risk in a pluralistic society. It offers a compelling vision of research as a democratic activity that produces an important social good and it will repay careful study from philosophers and policy makers alike. * Allen Buchanan, Laureate Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona * For the Common Good is a ground-breaking book. Alex John London argues persuasively for an expanded vision of the conception and practice of ethics in research that locates justice at the heart of the research enterprise. The result is a tour de force in moral philosophy and practical ethics. * Ruth Macklin, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Albert Einstein College of Medicine * With this volume, Alex John London makes a major contribution to the research ethics literature. His analysis is broad and deep, delivering new insights on well-studied topics and illuminating neglected concepts such as the social value of research. For the Common Good is destined to become an essential resource for scholars, students, policymakers, and others seeking to develop a just and fair research enterprise * Rebecca Dresser, Washington University in St. Louis, and author of Silent Partners: Human Subjects and Research Ethics * A view has become entrenched that the interests of the tiny proportion of patients who participate in clinical trials addressing treatment uncertainties are more in need of protection than are the vastly greater numbers of patients being offered the same treatments in the 'uncontrolled experiments' of everyday clinical practice. This double standard and other poorly thought-through features of research ethics are brilliantly challenged by Alex John London in For The Common Good. This important book shows how the interests of society and of individual research participants can be promoted concurrently. * Sir Iain Chalmers * Alex John London's recent book is a sustained argument for placing justice at the heart of research. In keeping with Rawls's famous dictum, 'justice is the first virtue of social institutions,' London seeks to elevate justice from its current role as third fiddle-behind beneficence and autonomy-to the central and orienting concept of research ethics...the fact that London succeeds in recasting the core issues of research ethics and moving them into the realm of social and political philosophy is a significant boon for the field. For the Common Good deserves to set the agenda for foundational work in research ethics for years to come. * Bioethics *