GED3601

Ethics and health education

Dr R Small

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have examined a number of ethical issues in health care and health education and have developed a useful understanding of the kinds of thinking and reasoning that go into the making of ethical decisions and assist in assessing social policies in this area.

Synopsis 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 upon 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 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 (one 4000-word assignment or two assignments totalling 4000 words): 100%

Recommended texts

Glover J Causing death and saving lives Penguin, 1977