I year - Bioethics - general aspects of contemporary medical ethics, law and society
Introduction
Many of the concerns and ethical questions related to biomedical sciences have a long history. This course will give students a historically-grounded introduction to these ethical issues. Course is designed for students who study medicine and provides a set of issues and concerns that are central for a better understanding of modern society needs in the biomedical field. Historical overview of emergence of bioethics in 1960's and its prerequisites 1. The Nuremberg Code - 1947 after the Doctors' Trial or "Trials of War Criminals before the Nuremberg Military Tribunals" (NMT) 2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights - 1948 3. Manifesto of Bioethics: “BIOETHICS - BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE" by V.R. Potter in in 1970 4. Paradigm shift of Hippocratic paternalism vs. respect of patients' autonomy 5. Sanctity of life - Immanuel Cant and deontology.
Aims
to investigate the medical ethics in the context which gave rise to contemporary 'bioethics'
to consider critically the principles of contemporary bioethics
to reflect concepts and principles of bioethics necessary for an adequate ethical approach to modern medicine
Learning outcomes At the end of the modules students should have:
an awareness of the broader understanding for the ethical discussions in medicine of the strengths and weaknesses of the bioethics
a grasp of the principles needed for understanding bioethical issues
an ability to use, combine and apply these principles in particular cases
an awareness of the potential for conflict between ethical and legal requirements
Selected topics Contemporary approaches to bioethics and its central concepts and principles:
Hippocratic Oath - value over the centuries
Reclaiming professional virtues: Hippocratic ethics in a modern context
The 1960's and the emergence of bioethics
Bioethics - 'The Four Principles' - strengths and weaknesses (Beauchamp, Childress)
The virtues in medical practice (Pellegrino)
Paternalism vs. autonomy in the modern society
Autonomy and human rights (Veatch, Engelhardt)
Benefit, justice and quality of life (Singer, Glover)
Consent - Treatment without consent
Ethics and the law (Finnis, Hart)
Terminology - Medical law vs. medical jurisprudence, what is medical negligence
Abortion & Law
Bibliography
V.R. Potter.1970: “BIOETHICS - BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE"