Bioethics. Methods, Theories and Principles
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
Within the framework of the interdisciplinary project of our Master's Degree, the course of « Bioethics : methods and principles » aims to provide students tools and keys to :
- Understand the fundamentals of argument construction and evaluation ;
- Understand and apply normative ethical theories to the problems of bioethics ;
- Gain familiarity with the defining issues of bioethics ;
- Apply the techniques of argument analysis to critique the arguments of bioethicists and philosophers ;
- Construct well-formed arguments in support of a position in a current debate in bioethics.
- Understand the fundamentals of argument construction and evaluation ;
- Understand and apply normative ethical theories to the problems of bioethics ;
- Gain familiarity with the defining issues of bioethics ;
- Apply the techniques of argument analysis to critique the arguments of bioethicists and philosophers ;
- Construct well-formed arguments in support of a position in a current debate in bioethics.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims at:
- promote the knowledge of the key issues and the main dilemmas on Bioethics;
- develop an expertise on the main theoretical and methodological perspectives in Bioethics;
-implement the ability to develop skills of argumentation concerning ethical, moral and political issues, on questions of bioethics;
-develop the ability to apply knowledge and skills acquired to the analysis and discussion of disputes at the heart of public debate (in relation, for example, at the end-of-life issues).
- promote the knowledge of the key issues and the main dilemmas on Bioethics;
- develop an expertise on the main theoretical and methodological perspectives in Bioethics;
-implement the ability to develop skills of argumentation concerning ethical, moral and political issues, on questions of bioethics;
-develop the ability to apply knowledge and skills acquired to the analysis and discussion of disputes at the heart of public debate (in relation, for example, at the end-of-life issues).
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
The course is developed along three thematic paths: a critical investigation of the origins of the discipline, an investigation aimed at tracing its genealogy, fundamental questions, meaning, and major assumptions. Secondly, we will address the study of the theoretical status of bioethics, through the examination and comparison between theoretical deontological positions/attitudes and consequential theoretical positions/attitudes, and the examination of the main conceptual issues that bioethical disputes bring out: pluralism and disagreement, autonomy and responsibility, paternalism and antipaternalism. Bioethics will be addressed, in the third and final instance, from the point of view of the method: from the principle-based approach to the method of cases, through the analysis of the main fallacies, it will try to define the boundaries of discipline, and to suggest the main criteria to justify argumentative claims in the bioethics field.
Prerequisites for admission
No preliminary knowledge is needed to adequately address the contents provided by the course. Basic knowledge of ethical-philosophical issues could be indeed useful for a better framing of the topics at stake in class.
Teaching methods
The lessons will be distinguished in:
- frontal lessons;
- seminary lessons, with presentations and discussions of specific case-study.
- frontal lessons;
- seminary lessons, with presentations and discussions of specific case-study.
Teaching Resources
- S. F. Magni, Bioetica, Roma, Carocci, 2011; - R. Mordacci, Una introduzione alle teorie morali. Confronto con la bioetica, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2003 (first part).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam for attending students consists of a final oral exam aimed at verifying the student's achievement of the objectives of the course. The oral form of the examination is also aimed at verifying the ability to formulate and defend with arguments its own position on the issues addressed in the course. Alternatively, students will have the opportunity to write a paper structured on one of the topics discussed in class.
SPS/01 - POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Magni Beatrice
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Magni BeatriceProfessor(s)