Bioethics – Issues and Dilemmas

This course will introduce to undergraduate students the study of ethical issues involving the biomedical and life sciences. The course will examine the history of bioethics, beginning with the field’s origins in the mid-twentieth century, till its current institutionalization in hospitals, universities, and government. Bioethical questions require careful attention to particular cases, exploration of possible approaches for resolving dilemmas, and most importantly respectful discourse. The course will introduce few basics of ethics and argumentation, in order to support the overall attitude, and a number of specific bioethical questions will be considered for discussion in class by the students.

The aim of the course is to encourage the student to develop critical thinking and an in-depth examination of the social and cultural aspects of science and research today. The second aim of the course is to introduce the students to the main moral dilemmas being researched in medical practice, health and environmental policy, and in the introduction of new technologies. The third aim is to encourage an interdisciplinary methodology of discussion based on arguments rather than opinions.

Indicative Syllabus