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Course presentation
This course focuses on the ethical aspects of biotechnology.
The first part of the course - (lectures 1-3 and seminar 1) - provide an introduction to moral philosophy. Normative theories like utilitarianism, duty ethics and virtue ethics are explained and problematized. We will also discuss other useful distinctions and notions in moral philosophy e.g. moral dilemmas, action guiding and moral relativism.
The second part of the course (lectures 4-10 and seminars 2-4) focus on specific ethical problems and challenges in the field of biotechnology. These sessions are a mix between traditional lecturing and classroom discussions and the students are expected to partake actively. Topics include: ownership of biological material, ethics of different usage of gene technology, human enhancement, technology in healthcare (e.g. carebots) etc. We will also discuss concepts such as rights, justice, naturalness, privacy, autonomy, and risk.
An important part of this course is the course essay which is written individually by the student but supervised by the teacher. This gives the student an opportunity to apply ethical theory and analyze ethical issues attaching to a specific technology which is relevant for their education and of special interest to them. The essay is written throughout the course and each student will get feedback both from the teacher and another student during the work so that they can improve their essay before handing it in.
Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Autumn 2013
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course falls in two parts. The first part gives a background in moral philosophy, introducing normative theories like utilitarianism, duty ethics and virtue ethics, etc. The second part departs from practical ethical questions in the field of biotechnology. Questions to be discussed include: Is there an ethical difference between therapeutic and reproductive cloning? Should research on stem cells be legal? Are we the owners of our bodies and if so, should we be allowed to sell our bodily organs? How does gene technology affect the possibilities of giving everyone fair chances in life? How should we cope with risks associated with gene technology? The practical problems dealt with in the course will have influence on discussions of concepts such as rights, justice, ownership, naturalness, integrity, autonomy, and risk.
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course the student should be able to
outline the basic theories and concepts of moral philosophy, and apply those theories and concepts on problems in the field of biotechnology,
identify and discuss in a critical manner, orally as well as in written form, ethical problems in the field of biotechnology,
assess the quality of arguments put forth in the field of biotechnology and argue, in an independent and structured way, for or against possible positions held on central issues,
analyse, independently and in written form, a philosophical problem or area of inquiry related to biotechnology.
DEL1 - Attendance, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
ÖVN1 - Homework, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:
Attendance ( DEL1 )
Examination ( TEN1 )
Homework ( ÖVN1 )
Other requirements for final grade
Attendance (DEL1; 1,5 cr)
Exam (TEN1; 3 cr)
Essay (ÖVN1; 3 cr)
Ethical approach
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
