Brief Introduction
Introduction to Bioethics explores some of the most difficult - and fascinating - moral challenges we face in health, medicine, and emerging technologies.
Description
Should we clone humans? What should we think of the coming genetic revolution? How much control should we have over how and when we die? When does medical treatment turn into medical enhancement — and should we care? Is rationing health care good, bad, necessary — or all of the above?
This course will explore fundamental moral issues that arise in medicine, health, and biotechnology. Some are as old as life itself: the vulnerability of illness, the fact of death. Some are new, brought on by a dizzying pace of technology that can unsettle our core ideas about human nature and our place in the world. And nearly all intersect with issues of racial and gender equality, as well as policies affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Designed to introduce students to the range of issues that define bioethics, together with core concepts and skills, this course should be of interest to undergraduates, health care professionals, policy makers, and anyone interested in philosophy or ethics.
Before your course starts, try the new edX Demo where you can explore the fun, interactive learning environment and virtual labs. Learn more.
Note :Please be aware that the content in this Bioethics course has not been updated since Summer 2017. New developments in the field of bioethics and in law have occurredbut are not reflected in the course.
Knowledge
- Recognize core philosophy concepts in bioethics debates, including well-being, justice, and autonomy
- Develop scientific literacy relevant to core bioethics topics such as abortion, genetic enhancement, and euthanasia
- Understand key bioethics terms such as informed consent and medical futility
- Practice engaging in reflective, respectful conversations with others on polarizing issues
Promote the Ethical Use of Data-Driven Technologies
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The greatest risk in emerging technology is the perpetuation of bias in automated technologies dependent upon data sets. Identify Data-Driven Emerging Technologies...
Bioethics: The Law, Medicine, and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies and Genetics
- 0.0
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An introduction to the study of bioethics and the application of legal and ethical reasoning. The law and ethics of surrogacy...
The Science of Stem Cells
- 4.7
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What promise do stem cells hold for the treatment of medical conditions? Learn what has already been accomplished, what challenges remain, and what medical breakthroughs may lie ahead....
Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy
- 4.3
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Synbio is a diverse field with diverse applications, and the different contexts (e. g. , gain-of-function research, biofuels) raise different ethical and governance challenges....
