This course is an exploration of several of the ethical problems, dilemmas, and controversies that arise in connection to the medical profession and public health.
The topics that will be covered may include abortion, normative ethics, the use of AI in medicine, the philosophy of disability, euthanasia, informed consent, paternalism, and the regulation of drugs. The aim of this course is to develop the skill of thinking about these topics from a philosophical perspective. This means that special weight will be placed on foundational ethical theories and the analysis of arguments. We will also explore the connections between issues in medical ethics and other issues of broader philosophical interest.
No previous experience in philosophy or medicine is required for this course.