Experimental Bioethics: Integrating Experimental Philosophy, Moral Intuitions, and Cognitive Psychology within Ethical Inquiry

This manuscript examines the theoretical and historical foundations of experimental philosophy (“Xphi”) and experimental bioethics (“bioXphi”). Building on Francis Bacon’s assertion that experimental philosophy is the “great mother of sciences,” the study advocates for applying empirical methodologies to ethical inquiry. Experimental bioethics bridges experimental philosophy and empirical bioethics, focusing on the role of emotions and beliefs in forming moral intuitions and judgments. By integrating insights from cognitive psychology, experimental psychology, and moral psychology, the manuscript explores how intuitions and emotions influence ethical decision-making. It also discusses the significance of thought experiments in enhancing understanding and stimulating scholarly discourse. The study underscores the importance of experimental bioethics in addressing contemporary bioethical challenges, highlighting its practical relevance and potential to enrich ethical studies in Brazil and beyond.