CHB4102

Questions of life and death

Udo Schüklenk (on campus); John McKie (distance education)

12 points -2 hours per week (on-campus students) -Second semester -Clayton -Distance education students can take this subject in either semester -Prerequisite: CHB4101 or equivalent

Objectives When successfully completed, students should have acquired the skills to critically consider the most important ethical and philosophical questions underlying discussions of issues regarding the beginning and the end of life, and new reproductive and biomedical technologies; draw on different ethical theories to analyse these ethical and philosophical issues in detail, and therefore be able to make informed judgements about the ethics of certain biomedical technologies, clinical practices, and decisions regarding the beginning and end of life.

Synopsis This subject examines a variety of ethical issues concerning the beginning and end of life, such as the morality of abortion, infanticide, and causing death. The subject also deals with the ethical problems raised by new reproductive research and biomedical technologies, such as embryo experimentation, cloning, genetic counselling, genetic therapy and genetic engineering. There will be discussion of a range of philosophical problems which are central to these issues, including the sanctity of life doctrine, notions of potentiality, the nature of personhood, the acts/omissions distinction, and the definition of death.

Assessment Essay (5000 words): 50% -Take-home exam (4000 words): 50% -Distance education students are also required to keep a journal, recording their work for each topic.

Recommended texts

Arras J and Steinbock B (ed.) Ethical issues in modern medicine 5th edn, 1998
Glover J Causing death and saving lives Penguin, 1977
Singer P Practical ethics 2nd edn, CUP, 1993
Singer P Rethinking life and death Text, 1994
A book of readings will also be provided by the centre.

Back to the 1999 Arts Handbook