Bioethics and Person

Catalog description

Taught by DSPT. Technological innovation and the development of new biomedical technology has in recent years been the source of new complex and challenging ethical issues and questions. This seminar addresses these ethical questions and examines their relation to consciousness and personal identity. Using the resources of the western philosophical tradition, especially the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, students will examine such issues as brain death and the end of life, the moral status of the unborn and persons in persistent vegetative states (PVS), the humane treatment of animals, the limits of genetic intervention and cloning, artificial enhancement and technological manipulation of the human body (transhumanism). This seminar course is required for students participating in the Philosophy Project on person, soul, and consciousness and is intended for M.A. and Ph.D students. Student evaluation will be based on class participation, class presentations, and a final 15-20 page research paper. [Faculty Consent required; Auditors with faculty permission]