The article deals with Sgreccia’s bioethical paradigm in the early phase of his elaboration (1975-1986). Through the use of autobiographical material, the article reconstructs his path towards bioethics. We then examine articles published between 1975 and 1986, two autobiographical papers, and his Bioetica. Manuale per medici e biologi (Bioethics. A handbook for physicians and biologists), written by Sgreccia in August 1984, but published in 1986. It is shown how the theoretical structure of his bioethical paradigm is based on “ontologically founded personalism.” At the end of the article, the slow decline that seems to loom over Sgreccia’s bioethical paradigm is discussed.

Received 30 September 2021. Revised 13 December 2021. Accepted 30 December 2021. Published online 24 January 2022

Elio Sgreccia, Catholic bioethics, Ontologically founded personalism, Catholic culture, Religion and technology,

http://dx.doi.org/10.26106/xdvm-p897