Bioethics

Delve into the complex and fascinating world of bioethics, a field that is both changing fast and causing deep, passionate social debate. In this course, we will explore the ethical dilemmas raised when cutting-edge scientific advances in the biological sciences and medicine collide with the fundamental moral questions of society. This class will challenge your assumptions and develop your critical thinking and communication skills as you explore diverse perspectives that shape the world of bioethics.

Throughout the course, we will explore the core bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice as we formulate stances on moral quandaries such as euthanasia, designer babies, and gene doping. We will explore the broader social implications of bioethical decisions such as resource allocation, animal welfare, and climate change that plague society and policymakers today. And finally, we will dive into ethical landscapes shaping our future, from genetic engineering and stem cell research to artificial intelligence and transhumanism.

In weekly discussions, we will learn to express ideas clearly and confidently, forming well-reasoned arguments backed by evidence while engaging in respectful dialogue with peers from around the world. Through readings on current policies, we will sharpen our ability to dissect complex arguments, identify biases, and evaluate evidence to reach sound ethical conclusions. There will be opportunities during group work to apply ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios in the form of case studies, where we will propose solutions and consider the potential consequences of different actions from the perspectives of scientists, patients, policymakers, and the public. Finally, during a multi-week project, we will learn to navigate academic and journalistic resources, extracting key information and integrating it into thoughtful arguments.

In this Honors-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 8 hours per week on their course work.

Acknowledgements

Successful completion of a full year of high school biology or equivalent.

This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

How do we determine the ethical boundaries of scientific discoveries?
What challenges do we face when using traditional ethical rules to handle modern bioethical issues?
How can we effectively communicate complex bioethical issues to the public and ensure informed decision-making?
What ethical obligations do we have towards future generations when making decisions about resource management and environmental impact?

Course Learning Objectives:

Identify the scientific and technological advancements driving challenges around the four basic principles of bioethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Use critical reasoning skills to justify an ethical position and make informed decisions.
Gather evidence from various sources to effectively communicate and support a claim or opinion.
Apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios by analyzing case studies, proposing solutions, and considering the potential consequences of different actions.
Engage in public debates to demonstrate active citizenship on bioethical issues.

Additional Requirements

Students will need a headset with microphone.
Students will need to access a number of YouTube videos throughout the course.