161-024 Issues in Biomedical Ethics

At least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject or permission from the Head of School or subject coordinator.

The development and increasing prestige of modern medicine continues to generate ethical controversy. This subject will provide a way of making sense of these controversies: it will consider the nature of health, illness and disease, and discuss a number of particular issues, possibly including the status of mental illness, disability, abortion, genetic screening and modification, euthanasia and death.

• develop the ability to analyse and critique arguments;

• be able to think and write rigorously, imaginatively and coherently on issues of public controversy;

• have an appreciation of the way in which philosophical theory can inform reasoned discussion of matters of ethical importance and public controversy.

A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour written examination 47% (at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.

A subject reader will be available.