Philosophical Bioethics

Catalog description

In this course, students will explore the foundations of philosophical ethics in the West, and how early themes shape current work in philosophical bioethics. To this end, students will read works by Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, focusing on their theoretical approaches to ethics. Detailed discussion will focus on the ethics theories known as virtue theory, casuistry, deontology, utilitarianism, communitarianism, and principlism, considering both their historical origins and modern interpretations. Students will apply these theories to topical themes of moral development, abortion, assisted death and others, nothing their strengths and weaknesses.