Phil. 310: Bioethics
| Dr. Lee | Spring, 2008 |
| Office hrs: MW 2:30-3:30; TR 2:15—3:15, Rm. 154 | E-mail: plee@franciscan.edu |
| Phone: 284-5339 | Website: www2.franciscan.edu/plee |
OBJECTIVES:
To understand how some of the basic theories in ethics (utilitarianism, natural-law theory) apply to several bioethics questions.
To understand and articulate the basic arguments pro and con on the most controversial issues in bioethics, especially abortion, embryo-destructive research, euthanasia, sterilization.
To articulate a natural-law method of resolving concrete ethical problems raised in case studies.
PAPER: Approximately 8-12 pp. long. An outline of the paper is due March 25. The paper is due April 15.
OTHER WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: At times I may ask you to write one or two paragraphs on the reading assignment as preparation for a discussion in class. Summary-outlines of certain passages (sections of articles) will also be assigned. The grades for these (pass or fail) will be figured into the participation grade.
EXAMS: There will be two exams. The final will be cumulative. No make-ups will be given. If the first exam is missed then the second one will be worth proportionately more.
GRADES: The grade will be calculated as follows: About 30% for each exam, 30% for the paper, and 10% for participation.
Date Topic
| Jan | 15 | Intro: Human Nature and Moral Norms | |
| 17 | Human Nature and Moral Norms Internet Reading; Ashley et al., pp. 9-18 |
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| 24 | Beginning of Life: Abortion A, 31-42, 50-60 |
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| 29 | Beginning of Life: Abortion Internet Reading (Warren); A, 69-73 |
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| 31 | Beginning of Life: Abortion Internet Reading: Lee and George |
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| Feb | 5 | Beginning of Life: Abortion | |
| 7 | Embryonic Stem Cell Research Internet Reading; A, 119-122 |
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| 12 | Other Genetic Research
A, 91-103 |
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| 14 | Sex and Sterilization Internet Reading; A, 63-69, 88-90 |
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| 19 | Sex and Sterilization | ||
| 21 | Reproductive Technologies | ||
| 26 | Reproductive Technologies | ||
| 28 | Organ Transplantation, Cosmetic Surgery A, 103-124 |
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| Mar | 11 | Mid-Semester Exam | |
| 13 | Mental Health
A, Ch. 3 |
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| 18 | Suffering and Death Internet Readings |
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| 20 | Suffering and Death
A, 178-198 |
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| 25 | Suffering and Death Internet Reading; A, 163-178 |
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| 27 | Suffering and Death | ||
| Apr | 1 | Suffering and Death | |
| 3 | Pastoral Care A, Ch. 8 |
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| 8 | Pastoral Care | ||
| 15 | Social Responsibility
A, Ch. 7 |
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| 17 | Social Responsibility | ||
| 24 | Social Responsibility | ||
| 29 | Conclusion | ||