This Volume presents the relationships and tensions between “Four Ethical Principles”: the principle of autonomy and three alternative principles, i.e. those of Dignity, integrity, and vulnerability. Here distinguished scholars in the fields of philosophy, law, and medicine address the most pressing issues on ethical principles in bioethics and biolaw: 

- Does care of the individual only consist in the respect of its autonomy? 

- Is respect for dignity an alternative to respect for autonomy? 

- What is the meaning of integrity of a living being? 

- Is the idea of integrity apt to express the common qualities considered to be protected both in human and non-human biotechnology?  

- How can the description of vulnerability imply a normative appeal for taking care of Biological, social and cultural beings?