Relational Theory and Health Law and Policy

Abstract

Relational theory starts from an understanding of human selves as relational. This theory informs some significant current developments in the areas of philosophy, ethics and legal theory that re-envision key concepts including autonomy, equality, rights, justice, memory, trust, judgment and identity. In this paper we introduce relational theory and begin to explore some of its implications for health law and policy. In doing so, we hope to show the relevance of each field to the other and to persuade those interested in health law and policy to take up the challenge to pursue the transformative potential of relational theory through their work.