Controversies in Science and Medicine (1900-1990)

Catalog description

In this course, we will examine the changing ways that these dilemmas have been recognized and addressed since the early-20th century. Rather than a chronological survey of this time period, we will approach these historical topics thematically. This will include an historical analysis of the rise of bioethics, as well as evolving conceptions of autonomy, social justice, disease, and disability. Topics of study in this course will include changing and contested perspectives on end-of-life decision-making, the adoption of new reproductive technologies, and the diagnosis and prevention of hereditary disease. In addition, we will consider how various forms of technological automation over the course of the 20th century have changed what it means to an autonomous individual or professional expert in daily life. CO: COM 101 .