Scientific advancements in the field of biotechnology and medicine have opened up new possibilities that were once imaginable only in science fiction literature. These possibilities, ranging from cloning to editing one's genes to enhance human capabilities, have given rise to serious ethical debates on whether they should be allowed or not. Such debates fall into the domain of bioethics, an interdisciplinary field of study inquiring into the ethical challenges posed by the advancements in the fields of medicine and technology. This course will approach some of the most contentious issues in the field of bioethics, focusing in particular on the legal and political debates around them. The course will cover “classical” topics in bioethics such as the beginning and the end of life by discussing questions related to abortion and assisted dying, but also issues related to newer technological advances. These include questions related to artificial intelligence, reproductive technologies enabling cloning or the birth of children using artificial wombs. Furthermore, the course will touch upon contemporary debates in bioethics such as access to vaccination or vaccine mandates that have been greatly discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the course, students will reflect on broader questions related to consent, personal autonomy, privacy and human rights more generally. The course builds on several disciplines, particularly law but also medical ethics, sociology or philosophy, and will discuss court cases (especially from the European Court of Human Rights), pieces of legislation, media articles and videos as well as academic writings and other sources. Students in this course will be prepared to work on topics related to bioethics as policy- or law-makers or human rights specialists.
Elena Brodeala,Marie-Hélène PETER-SPIESS
Séminaire
English
This is an introductory course to bioethics and no previous background is necessary to enroll. However, an interest in law, human rights, ethics and the technological advances in the field of medicine is strongly advised.
Spring 2022-2023
Class engagement (10%)
Class presentation (15%)
Research paper (55%)
Op-ed (20%)
Ruth F. Chadwick & Udo Schüklenk, This is Bioethics: An Introduction, Wiley-Blackwell, 2020