In 2011, the KIE lost a distinguished colleague and friend: Professor Alfonso Gómez-Lobo. Alfonso held the Ryan Chair in Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Georgetown and was a Faculty Affiliate of the KIE. Born in Chile, he was an internationally renowned scholar of classical philosophy who taught at Georgetown beginning in 1977. We are pleased to announce that his posthumously-published Bioethics and the Human Goods: An Introduction to Natural Law Ethics, which was completed by KIE Senior Research Scholar John Keown, has been recognized by/honored by/praised by the University Press Books Committee and by the Catholic Press Assocation.

From the press:

Bioethics and the Human Goods offers students and general readers a brief introduction to bioethics from a “natural law” philosophical perspective. This perspective, which traces its origins to classical antiquity, has profoundly shaped Western ethics and law and is enjoying an exciting renaissance. While compatible with much in the ethical thought of the great religions, it is grounded in reason, not religion. In contrast to the currently dominant bioethical theories of utilitarianism and principlism, the natural law approach offers an understanding of human flourishing grounded in basic human goods, including life, health, friendship, and knowledge, and in the wrongness of intentionally turning against, or neglecting, these goods.

The book has been rated “outstanding” by the University Press Books Committee, meaning it has “exceptional editorial content and subject-matter” and is deemed an “essential addition” to most library collections. It also attracted honors in the “faith & science” category of the Catholic Press Association Awards. An audiobook version is available, and a Spanish translation of the book will be published next summer.