Ethics and health education
Dr R Small
Second semester * Clayton
This subject examines ethical, professional and social issues in health education, and their connections with public debates over health care and promotion. In many situations, the difference between right and wrong is not evident, yet we are called on to make decisions and take responsibility for outcomes. This is especially the case in health education, where the task of putting our values into practice requires careful and critical thinking. In this subject, we look at some controversial questions about health care, involving moral dilemmas and debates. Particular topics for discussion will be chosen from issues such as conflicts between personal beliefs and professional duties; the role of individual conscience; autonomy vs paternalism; the rights of children, parents and teachers; critiques of professionalism; the question of the teacher's neutrality or impartiality; ethical issues in sex and death education; discrimination vs preferential treatment; attitudes towards and questions about handicap. The subject will also look into health issues that confront society as a whole. The problems of allocating limited resources, and of ensuring equal access to the knowledge and skills needs for health care, are topics of public debate, and raise important questions about social justice.
Assessment
Written (2000 words): 100% * Folio of articles or other material drawn from current sources, dealing with some main issue included in the program or relevant to the course
Recommended texts
Edward R B and Graber G C Bioethics HBJ, 1988