PHIL 2455 - Introduction to Bioethics

(crosslisted) STS 2451
(KCM-AS)

Spring. 4 credits. Student option grading.

J. Markovits.

Bioethics is the study of ethical problems brought about by advances in the medical field. Questions we’ll discuss may include: Is it morally permissible to advance a patient’s death, at his or her request, to reduce suffering? Is there a moral dilemma between killing someone and letting someone die? What ethical issues are raised by advance care planning? How should the rights of pregnant women be balanced against those of the fetus? What constitutes informed consent? Should medical treatment ever be compulsory? Should parents be given control over the genetic make-up of their children? Are some forms of human enhancement morally troubling? Should we aim to be better than well? How should scarce health care resources or costly therapies be allocated to those in need? Should organ sales be permitted? Should doctors or hospitals be permitted to refuse to provide certain medical services that violate their consciences?