This online (asynchronous) course is delivered entirely over Canvas. It begins with a brief examination of the nature of arguments and philosophical methodology, followed by a more detailed critical examination of some leading normative ethical theories. We then turn to a careful examination of some moral problems in health care. Topics include autonomy, valid consent, and medical paternalism; MAiD (medical assistance in dying); abortion; access to health care; professional responsibilities and the use of alternative medications; and the justified rules for triage in emergency situations.
No background in philosophy is presupposed. But because the class is entirely online, and because the course is mostly text-based, students should be self-motivated to learn. Course requirements include participation in weekly online discussion boards, two 2,000-word papers, and a comprehensive, open-book, final exam (written remotely during the university’s final exam period).
Students are supported in their learning with weekly Zoom office hours, occasional video lectures, guidelines for writing the term papers, offers to meet on Zoom with the TAs or professor to review rough drafts of papers.