Clinical Issues in Bioethics (phl 441/541)

Clinical bioethics examines moral problems that arise in clinical care. We cover moral issues that arise in such topics such as informed consent, surrogate decision making, and end of life issues. The emphasis is on critiquing and writing case commentaries.

The basic "class work" for Clinical Bioethics is contained in twelve "Lessons":

One: Through a case analysis, we explore several basic moral issues, including the nonharm principle, respect, and the moral responsibility to obey the law.

Two: Centering on research on humans, we examine the concept of informed consent, the principle of autonomy, and difficult cases involving human experimentation.

Three: Further issues relating to informed consent are covered.

Four: We turn to an examination of some basic philosophical approaches to resolving cases in bioethics.

Five: Privacy and confidentiality are covered.

Screen capture of an interview with Dr. Matzo on terminal sedation.

Six: Next we cover active and passive euthanasia, including withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and administering palliative drugs that hasten death.

Seven: We explore and evaluate several commentaries dealing with decisions about death.

Eight: Some other moral positions are covered, including virtue theory, feminism, and social contract theory.

Nine: The ninth topic covers ethical issues relating to organ transplantation.

Screen capture of the course's main content menu.

Ten: We consider some issues related to medical futility and some of the issues surrounding its use and abuse.

Screen capture of Dr. B. Daly interviewed by Professor Robichaud.

Eleven: This unit deals with contemporary issues surrounding human reproduction.

Twelve: In this lesson we explore some fascinating issues related to genetics.

Lessons are augmented by video presentations, as selected by the instructor.

A case text book is used, with some sections using additional text material.

Typically, an instructor will require frequent written assignments, perhaps twelve during the semester. A midterm and final is typically included, and are usually longer. Short assignments range from a long paragraph to about two pages. On the undergraduate level, this is a writing course, and so special University writing requirements apply. Assignments are typically posted, on Blackboard, for the entire class; students may be required to comment on assignments by others.

This course is taught by Professors DeMarco, Harvey and Robichaud.

Screen capture from the home page of one of the sections of Clinical Bioethics, including a welcoming message and the first assignment.

RETURN