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.
Select the semester and course offering above to get information from the correct course syllabus and course offering.
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.
After completed course the student should be able to
Lectures, seminars, and individual essay writing (under supervision).
The course starts only if a sufficient number of students have applied for it.
120 credits academic studies in technology or natural science, including documented proficiency in Swedish (Swedish 3) and English (English 6).
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Kurslitteratur anslås på kursens hemsida senast fyra veckor innan kursstart.
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.
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Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web AK2008No information inserted
Second cycle
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Barbro Fröding, 08-790 9596, barbro.froding@abe.kth.se