Philosophy 222: Moral Issues in Medicine

Instructor: Gary Zabel, Ph.D
Philosophy Department Phone: (617) 287-6530
E-mail Address: gary.zabel@umb.edu
Office Hours: M 2:00-3:00/Wed 2:00-3:00
5^th Floor of Wheatley, Room 035

For the past five hundred years, we have lived in a world profoundly shaped by the scientific revolution. Though much of the technology made possible by science applies to non-human nature, modern medicine extends science-based technology to human beings. Since modern medicine acts in the name of advancing human well-being, while at the same time exercising technological power over the human body and mind, it raises ethical problems with which the doctors, nurses, and patients of the past never had to deal. In this course, we will examine the major moral philosophies that have guided the traditional practice of medicine as well as the unique quandries that the new medical technologies raise. We will try to determine whether these quandries exceed the resources of the moral theories of the past, and demand instead the development of fundamentally new approaches to moral philosophy. Among such quandries are those raised by reproductive and genetic technologies, the transformed experience of death and dying, and the use of human subjects in medical experimentation. Through readings, lectures, student presentations, and class discussions, we will grapple with each of these themes.

Requirements:

1)     Take-home exam
2)     10 to 15 page paper
3) A class presentation based on the readings
4)     Regular class attendance and participation

Grading: The exam constitutes 25% of your final grade, the paper 60%, and class attendance and participation 15%.

Readings: All readings are on this website and can be accessed through the links below. You will need Adobe Reader in order to read the PDF files. If you don't already have it, you can get it free at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.htm

Take Home Exam

Final Paper Assignment

1. Morals and Medicine