Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit examines key philosophical issues and concepts in contemporary applied ethics, focusing on more advanced philosophical discussions in this area. The unit considers issues and concepts in ethical debates about the beginning and the end of life, such as the status of human life, persons, and potential persons, along with acts and omissions, the doctrine of double effect, and personal identity questions raised by advance directives. The unit also investigates conceptual and ethical issues raised by debates about genetic interventions and access to assisted reproduction, such as the nature and moral significance of eugenics, disability, and wrongful life, and notions of parenthood.

Objectives

On successfully completing this unit, students will have:

1. familiarity with key philosophical issues and concepts in contemporary applied ethics
2. skills enabling them to critically analyse contemporary debates in applied ethics which depend on such issues and concepts
3. the ability to make informed judgments about those ethical and conceptual issues.

Assessment

Written work: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Justin Oakley

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Philosophy
Bioethics

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Philosophy or Bioethic and one of the following: CHB2100, PHL2150, PHL2810, PHL2330, PHL2510, PHL2001.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/philosophy/ugrad/units/phl3100.php