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Bioethics - PHIL2418
The Quad

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: http://philosophy.arts.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 6 units of credit in level 1 Philosophy and 36 units of credit overall
 
 
Excluded: PHIL5502
 
 
Fee Band: 2 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines current issues in the field of bioethics by considering a number of dilemmas raised by current bio-medical developments. Introduces the main streams of ethical theory used in contemporary bioethics debates, primarily utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics and ethics of care, as a platform for philosophical discussion of a number of controversial bioethical issues. Issues addressed may include the doctrine of the sanctity of human life and the concept of the person, brain death, organ transplanting, abortion, stem cell research, new genetic technologies, reproductive technologies, euthanasia, and the principle of informed consent in biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes

On completing this course, students should be able to:
  • Describe the key ethical theories and approaches used in bioethics
  • Critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and develop an appreciation of how each allows a moral dilemma to be resolved differently
  • Apply aspects of these theories to contemporary dilemmas that arise in relation to beginning and end of life issues, genetic technologies and medical research
  • Evaluate the extent to which such theories can help us understand and resolve the emerging problems that we face as moral agents in an increasingly complex society
  • Show an appreciation of the breadth of philosophical inquiry in the area of bioethics, and of the impact of technological change on our moral thinking
  • Utilise skills associated with scholarly inquiry in the discipline of philosophy, particularly information literacy and critical analysis skills.

Assessment

  • Research portfolio - 45%
  • Essay (2500 words) - 35%
  • In-class exam - 20%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.