Bioethics
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide an overview of the most relevant issues addressed by the contemporary bioethical debate. First, a methodological introduction will be provided, aimed at investigating the origins, purposes and epistemological status of the discipline and what its role in society is, and should be. In this context, the most influential argumentative techniques used in the bioethical debate will also be briefly presented. Subsequently, the main bioethical issues relating to a) experimentation on human beings, b) termination of pregnancy, c) end of life issues, d) organ transplantation, e) the allocation of scarce resources and the right to health care, and f) current and future assisted reproduction technologies will be investigated. Particular attention will be devoted to the techniques of genetic modification of human embryos and fetuses and the related ethical implications on procreative responsibility.
Expected learning outcomes
This course will allow students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the development of a critical and non-dogmatic reflection on complex bioethical issues. With regard to knowledge, students will be able to: recognize the aims of bioethical reflection, distinguishing the various areas of practical application of the discipline; recognize the ethical theories and arguments used in dealing with specific bioethical issues. Regarding competencies, students will be able to formulate articulated opinions on the topics covered during the course and present their positions in a coherent and well-argued way.
Lesson period: Third 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
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
This course aims to provide an overview of the most relevant issues addressed by the contemporary bioethical debate. First, a methodological introduction will be provided, aimed at investigating the origins, purposes and epistemological status of the discipline and what its role in society is, and should be. In this context, the most influential argumentative techniques used in the bioethical debate will also be briefly presented. Subsequently, the main bioethical issues relating to a) experimentation on human beings, b) termination of pregnancy, c) end of life issues, d) organ transplantation, e) the allocation of scarce resources and the right to health care, and f) current and future assisted reproduction technologies will be investigated. Particular attention will be devoted to the techniques of genetic modification of human embryos and fetuses and the related ethical implications on procreative responsibility.
Introduction
Lection 1: Origins, purposes and epistemological status of bioethics
Lection 2: Theories and sound arguments in bioethics
Research Ethics
Lection 3: Basics of research methodology
Lection 4: Ethical issues in clinical research
Beginning of life and Ethics of Abortion
Lection 5: Who matters morally? The moral status of embryos and fetuses
Lection 6: The cases against and for abortion
Lection 7: Ethical issues of conscientious objection
End of life issues
Lection 8: Drawing distinctions between withdrawing treatments, assisting suicide and euthanasia
Lection 9: Ethical and legal issues on decriminalizing assisted dying
Lection 10: Dementia and end of life
Ethics of organ transplantation
Lection 11: Ethical issues of organ transplantation and the organ market issue
Justice and Health Care
Lection 12: The principle of justice and criteria for allocation of health care resources
Lection 13: Ethics of allocating intensive health care resources during crisis: the Italian case
Bioethics during Covid-19
Lection 14: The ethics of mandatory vaccination
Lection 15: Speeding up research during crisis? The case of Human Challenge Trials
Assisted reproductive technologies: reproductive rights and responsibility
Lection 16: An overview of ethical issues in assisted reproduction
Lection 17: Genetic selection, procreative beneficence and the non-identity problem
Lection 18: Genome editing, ectogenesis and procreative responsibility
Lection 19: Reproduction and genetic enhancement
Conclusion
Lection 20: Conclusions of the course and discussion of the topics reviewed
Introduction
Lection 1: Origins, purposes and epistemological status of bioethics
Lection 2: Theories and sound arguments in bioethics
Research Ethics
Lection 3: Basics of research methodology
Lection 4: Ethical issues in clinical research
Beginning of life and Ethics of Abortion
Lection 5: Who matters morally? The moral status of embryos and fetuses
Lection 6: The cases against and for abortion
Lection 7: Ethical issues of conscientious objection
End of life issues
Lection 8: Drawing distinctions between withdrawing treatments, assisting suicide and euthanasia
Lection 9: Ethical and legal issues on decriminalizing assisted dying
Lection 10: Dementia and end of life
Ethics of organ transplantation
Lection 11: Ethical issues of organ transplantation and the organ market issue
Justice and Health Care
Lection 12: The principle of justice and criteria for allocation of health care resources
Lection 13: Ethics of allocating intensive health care resources during crisis: the Italian case
Bioethics during Covid-19
Lection 14: The ethics of mandatory vaccination
Lection 15: Speeding up research during crisis? The case of Human Challenge Trials
Assisted reproductive technologies: reproductive rights and responsibility
Lection 16: An overview of ethical issues in assisted reproduction
Lection 17: Genetic selection, procreative beneficence and the non-identity problem
Lection 18: Genome editing, ectogenesis and procreative responsibility
Lection 19: Reproduction and genetic enhancement
Conclusion
Lection 20: Conclusions of the course and discussion of the topics reviewed
Prerequisites for admission
The course has no formal prerequisites. However, it will refer to some issues discussed during the course "Facts, principles and hard choices" (I years).
Teaching methods
The course is composed of both taught classes and debate lessons.
Teaching Resources
The slides used for the lessons will be available and will constitute part of the material for the exam.
Required readings for the exam (plus slides):
Textbook
Chadwick, R. F., & Schüklenk, U. (2020). This is bioethics. John Wiley & Sons.
Papers
Daniels, N. (2010). Is there a right to health care and, if so, what does it encompass? In A Companion to Bioethics (pp. 362-372). Wiley-Blackwell.
Giubilini, A. (2020). An argument for compulsory vaccination: The taxation analogy. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 37(3), 446-466.
Gyngell, C., Douglas, T., & Savulescu, J. (2017). The ethics of germline Gene Editing. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 34(4), 498-513.
Hope, T., & McMillan, J. (2004). Challenge studies of human volunteers: ethical issues. Journal of Medical Ethics, 30(1), 110-116.
McMillan, J. (2018). The methods of bioethics. Oxford University Press. (pp. 7-25)
Richards, J. R. (2010). A world of transferable parts. In A Companion to Bioethics (pp. 373-389). Wiley-Blackwell.
Savulescu, J., & Kahane, G. (2009). The moral obligation to create children with the best chance of the best life. Bioethics, 23(5), 274-290.
Choose one of the following options
1) Marquis, D. (1989). Why abortion is immoral. The Journal of Philosophy, 86(4), 183-202.
2) Thomson, J. J. (1976). A defense of abortion. In Biomedical Ethics and the Law (pp. 39-54). Springer US.
3) Giubilini, A., & Minerva, F. (2013). After-birth abortion: why should the baby live? Journal of Medical Ethics, 39(5), 261-263 AND Tooley, M. (2013). Philosophy, critical thinking and "after-birth abortion: why should the baby live?" Journal of Medical Ethics, 39(5), 266-272.
Required readings for the exam (plus slides):
Textbook
Chadwick, R. F., & Schüklenk, U. (2020). This is bioethics. John Wiley & Sons.
Papers
Daniels, N. (2010). Is there a right to health care and, if so, what does it encompass? In A Companion to Bioethics (pp. 362-372). Wiley-Blackwell.
Giubilini, A. (2020). An argument for compulsory vaccination: The taxation analogy. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 37(3), 446-466.
Gyngell, C., Douglas, T., & Savulescu, J. (2017). The ethics of germline Gene Editing. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 34(4), 498-513.
Hope, T., & McMillan, J. (2004). Challenge studies of human volunteers: ethical issues. Journal of Medical Ethics, 30(1), 110-116.
McMillan, J. (2018). The methods of bioethics. Oxford University Press. (pp. 7-25)
Richards, J. R. (2010). A world of transferable parts. In A Companion to Bioethics (pp. 373-389). Wiley-Blackwell.
Savulescu, J., & Kahane, G. (2009). The moral obligation to create children with the best chance of the best life. Bioethics, 23(5), 274-290.
Choose one of the following options
1) Marquis, D. (1989). Why abortion is immoral. The Journal of Philosophy, 86(4), 183-202.
2) Thomson, J. J. (1976). A defense of abortion. In Biomedical Ethics and the Law (pp. 39-54). Springer US.
3) Giubilini, A., & Minerva, F. (2013). After-birth abortion: why should the baby live? Journal of Medical Ethics, 39(5), 261-263 AND Tooley, M. (2013). Philosophy, critical thinking and "after-birth abortion: why should the baby live?" Journal of Medical Ethics, 39(5), 266-272.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will consist of an oral discussion on the central themes of bioethics. A considerable part of the final assessment will depend on students' involvement in class discussions.
SPS/01 - POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Battisti Davide