This new edition of The Cambridge Medical Ethics Workbook builds on the success of the first edition by working from the 'bottom up', with a widely praised case-based approach. A variety of guided exercises are supplemented by short papers and commentaries on legal and ethical issues, challenging readers to develop their own analyses and recommendations. Chapters cover death, genetics, new reproductive technologies, research, long-term care, mental health, children and young people, allocation of scarce resources, and general issues about autonomy and patient choice. An appendix discusses the use of this book in teaching, along with a full bibliography, list of Kennedy Institute keywords, and suggestions for further reading. An interactive CD-ROM packaged with the book provides extra cases, a glossary, legal references and the chance to record a personal learning diary. Its simple, clear style makes this book ideal for individual reference and as a set text for group teaching.

‘The authors of this Cambridge workbook should be congratulated for its success in rendering medical ethics lively, enticing and user-friendly. Most classics of biomedical ethics are dry and daunting because they were written by analytical philosophers, who based the discussion on abstract ethics concepts … Instead, through guided readings and case discussions, this book aims to sensitise health care professionals and their students to ethical issues that are often side-stepped in busy clinical contexts. The greatest merit of this book is its success in helping the reader to appreciate that salient ethical issues are hidden behind what may otherwise look like routine and minor medical decisions.'

Source: Hong Kong Medical Journal

‘All teachers of ethics in health care are likely to find something of value in this book … Students will welcome the workbook's accessibility, clarity and comprehensive coverage of fundamental ethical issues in the health care context.'

Source: Journal of Medical Ethics

‘Ethics books can be divided conveniently into those that are top-down and those that are bottom-up. The top-down books begin with an ethical theory and try to use the theory to sort out practical ethical problems. A good example of this type of book is Beauchamp and Childress's Principles of Biomedical Ethics, which applies the ‘four principles' to a range of ethical cases. Conversely, bottom-up books begin with the ethical problem and try to make sense of it. This approach seems right – clinical practice is too messy to be squeezed obligingly into a ready-made theory … I am pleased to report that this book [The Cambridge Medical Ethics Workbook] is firmly in the bottom-up tradition.'

Source: Neuroradiology

‘As might be expected from a Cambridge University Press workbook, this is a very professional, clear and competent piece of work … It is reliable, easy to use and provides a full bibliography of other resources.'

Source: Addiction Biology

‘It is refreshing to see a book on bioethics that is both comprehensive and easily readable. This is a case-based book packed with high-quality information … Clever combination of academic material with practical case studies has resulted in a remarkably powerful and user-friendly book. It will probably succeed in making you at least try to think ethically.'

Source: Doctor

‘This is a book with a great deal to commend it. The discussions are enlivened by an excellent panel of contributors, and the format is engaging.'

Source: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

‘This is a text which has benefited from the input of many people in its preparation. It is easy to read, and full of interesting and engaging reflective activities … The excellent section on children is one of the strengths of the book. … the ethics issues are discussed, and cases are presented which acknowledge the child's personal, family, social and medical context.'

Source: Monash Bioethics Review