Learning objectives
In this course the student deepens the knowledge of a field of contemporary philosophy, namely bioethics, both with regard to the historical genesis of this field and with regard to its main aspects and developments in the current discussion (Dublin descriptor 1). Through the analysis of the basic concepts of bioethics, the student acquires the ability to clarify problems, to formulate them critically and autonomously, to evaluate the arguments offered by the proposed authors and to formulate new ones (descriptor 2) critically and independently (descriptors 3 and 5). The context in which the various positions are developed is constantly referred to in order to show the relationship between philosophy and contemporary society on the one hand and between philosophy, science and other aspects of culture on the other (descriptor 3). In addition to the interdisciplinary function of philosophy, the student is aware, through bioethics as applied ethics, of the significance that philosophy can have for the life of every person.
Prerequisites
No special prerequisites are required. The course offers the basic elements to learn about fundamental concepts, issues and problems in bioethics.
Course unit content
The course aims to link philosophical studies to contemporary times through knowledge of the fundamental problems of bioethics. Bioethics is in fact a part of philosophy that arose in the last decades of the twentieth century due to the new problems posed to ethics by advances in medicine and technology and changes in social customs. These problems concern the conception of freedom, self-determination, the person and his or her rights with particular reference to the beginning of life, the end of life and illness. Even more recent problems have arisen concerning the relationship between the person and his or her environment and between the person and future generations. The course aims to set out these issues and the main theories developed in relation to them.
Full programme
L. Battaglia, Bioetica, Editrice Bibliografica, Milano 2022
M. Reichlin, Fondamenti di bioetica, il Mulino 2021
J. Habermas, Il futuro della natura umana, a cura di L. Ceppa, Einaudi, Torino 2010
For students who cannot attend classes regularly, the texts are recommended:
E. Lecaldano, Dizionario di bioetica, Roma-Bari 2007
S. F. Magni, Bioetica, Roma, Carocci 20216
Bibliography
L. Battaglia, Bioetica, Editrice Bibliografica, Milano 2022
M. Reichlin, Fondamenti di bioetica, il Mulino 2021
J. Habermas, Il futuro della natura umana, a cura di L. Ceppa, Einaudi, Torino 2010
Teaching methods
This course alternates classroom lectures with seminar sessions (eventually in a blended mode). Through the analysis of philosophical and bioethical works students will become acquainted with specific moments in the history of bioethics and the forms of conceptual analysis and argumentation used to take on a series of issues (descriptors 1, 2, 3). Students can present either an oral or a written report (descriptors 4, 5): either 1) a review of the principal arguments of one of the authors; or 2) a discussion of one of the arguments presented during the course.
In addition, works that (although they are not part of the final exam) are important for understanding the theoretical and historical relevance of the arguments covered, will be presented briefly.
Assessment methods and criteria
The oral examination tends to verify the student’s ability to comprehend and correctly present the principal topics and arguments covered during the course, the historical questions covered and the ability to grasp dilemmas and problematic aspects in the philosophical positions discussed (descriptor 5). Assessment criteria and assessment thresholds:
30 cum laude: Excellent, excellent solidity of knowledge, excellent expressive properties, excellent understanding of the concepts
30: Very good. Complete and adequate knowledge, well-articulated and correctly expressed.
27-29: Good, satisfactory knowledge, essentially correct expression.
24-26: Fairly good knowledge, but not complete and not always correct.
22-23: Generally sufficient knowledge but superficial. Expression is often not appropriate and confused.
18-21: Elementary and defective knowledge. The expression and articulation of the speech show important gaps.
Less than 18: insufficient. The student has not acquired the required knowledge and skills
Other information
For students wishing to explore the topics covered in class in greater depth, the books are recommended:
R. Mordacci, Una introduzione alle teorie morali. Confronto con la bioetica, Milano, Feltrinelli 2003.
S. Cremaschi, Breve storia dell'etica, Carocci, Roma 2012.
L. Fonnesu, Storia dell'etica contemporanea, Carocci, Roma 2018.
These texts are not part of the examination programme.
