This module is not running for 2024-25 entry. Check our LLM and Diploma module list to see other related modules you could take.
This module introduces the main theoretical questions and frameworks in modern bioethics. Bioethics is a field of inquiry concerned with the ethical, legal, social, professional and policy questions relating to technological and other innovations and practices in healthcare, with particular reference to human health and wellbeing. It stands in an important critical dialogue with medical law and ethics. This module introduces the theories and methods of bioethics, and although it can stand alone, it is also preparatory to the subsequent New Medical Technologies and the Law 2 and 3 modules.SyllabusWeek 1: 1. Introduction: what is a problem in bioethics and how is it tackled?2. A brief history of bioethicsWeek 2:3. The "Belmont Report" and the Four Principles4. Liberal approachesWeek 3:5. Consequentialism6. Distributive JusticeWeek 4:7. Human Rights8. Feminist bioethicsWeek 5:9. Disability and bioethics10. Bioethics and the social sciences
15 Credits