PHIL 165.001 – Bioethics

Instructor: Matthew Scarfone. This course meets MWF 1:25-2:15 PM in DA 301.

This course will serve as an introduction to some of the key approaches and issues in bioethics. For philosophers, bioethics typically involves the application of moral considerations to matters arising from the health-related life sciences. Bioethics is also often marked by its interdisciplinarity. In our course we will primarily read and discuss works of philosophy, but we will also think about the relevant issues from historical, legal, sociological, and theological perspectives. We will begin with an overview of some of the methodologies and conceptual tools involved in bioethics. This will give us the resources needed to think through the following questions: Is there a right to healthcare? Can healthcare practitioners override a patient’s wishes? Is abortion ever morally permissible? Should we genetically enhance ourselves or our children? Can doping be acceptable in professional sports? Are addicts responsible for their addictions?