Bioethics (269-0-20)

Instructors

Lendell Chad Horne

Meeting Info

Lutkin Hall: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course is a study of moral and political problems related to biomedicine and biotechnology. In the first part of the course, we will study the physician-patient relationship. We will consider what values ought to govern that relationship, how those values may conflict, and how such conflicts are best resolved. In the second part of the course, we will turn to some specific ethical challenges related to biotechnology, including abortion, genetic manipulation, and physician-assisted suicide. We will close the course by surveying the field of public health ethics, with particular attention to ethical issues related to global pandemic preparedness and response.

Learning Objectives

(1) Recognize moral issues and distinguish them from descriptive ones. (2) Understand the core moral principles of contemporary bioethics and the values they presuppose. (3) Explore the complexities in applying Western bioethical concepts in diverse global settings of clinical care and research. (4) Reflect upon your own answers to moral questions and the reasons supporting them. (5) Analyze inequalities related to global health, particularly as it pertains to clinical research and pandemic preparedness and response. (6) Engage in respectful, rigorous, and constructive dialogue concerning moral issues and communicate thoughtfully and clearly about them.

Class Materials (Required)

Class materials must be purchased.

Lewis Vaughn, editor, Bioethics: Principles, Issues, and Cases, Fifth Edition, Oxford University Press (2022). If cost is a concern, the fourth edition of this textbook is also acceptable and normally more affordable. Some additional readings will be made available online through Canvas

Class Notes

Final exam - take home

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration for Philosophy and Science in Human Culture Majors and Minors

Associated Classes

DIS - Locy Hall 106: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 109: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - Locy Hall 109: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Tues 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Tues 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - NO DATA: NO DATA