Fundamentals of Biomedical Ethics A [ LFILO2200 ]

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Some instruction in the history of philosophy and philosophical anthropology. Some instruction in the life sciences.

The first part of the course describes the main lines of the philosophical and biomedical context of contemporary biomedical ethics. Basic theories and concepts are analyzed. From that point various practical questions are studied, coming from various areas of biomedical practice : conception, end of life issues, health care policy, etc.

At the end of the course the student should be able :
- to identify and discuss theories and concepts that are part of various current approaches in biomedical ethics
- to analyse in depth a particular problem in biomedical ethics
- to appreciate the interdisciplinary aspects of this area
- to link the givens of problems in this area with developments in contemporary scientific research

Oral examination based on the material studied in the course and on a question chosen and answered by the individual student

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The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, linking reflections upon contemporary medicine, biotechology, and the questions these issues raise to philosophical discourse. The goal is to think through a reconstructivist ethics which tend to define science(s) and ethics in terms of both moral responsibility and the precautionary principle.

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Support : Course notes/works/articles referred to