161-230 Issues in Biomedical Ethics

Note

Available as 161-330 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

Prerequisites

One first-year single-semester Philosophy subject. Students who lack this prerequisite, but believe themselves adequately prepared to attempt any second/third year subjects, should consult the Head of Department.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Four central issues in biomedical ethics such as: the assumptions of the nature/technology debate re surrogacy, embryo experiments, etc.; the acts/omissions distinction; the claims of present versus future generations; patient autonomy. The subject will provide students with a grasp of the various philosophical principles, outlooks and concepts underlying community debates about a range of biomedical issues, and an understanding of the nature of the arguments on which they are based enabling them to make their own contributions to the ongoing debates.

Assessment

One 2-hour end-of-semester examination, an assignment of no more than 3000 words, and regular attendance and participation in tutorials.