Qualtere-Burcher, Paul, 1963-2009-03-032009-03-032008-12https://hdl.handle.net/1794/8687ix, 55 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.This work argues that the principle of autonomy set forth in the Principalist theory of biomedical ethics should be replaced by "the just distance"-a concept first suggested by Paul Ricoeur. Beginning with the prevailing critique of autonomy in feminist philosophy and medical ethics, the paper then explains why a principle encompassing narrativity, relationality, and singularity would provide a better guiding standard for the doctor-patient encounter than the current rule of "respect for autonomy". The final chapter gives examples ofhow the just distance can be used in a clinical setting, and responds to possible critiques of this new principle.en-USThesis