Philosophy of Medicine (PHIL*2030)

Term: Fall 2013

Details

This course considers some philosophical problems that arise in the practice of medicine. We begin with a brief look at the history and nature of medicine. During this section in promoting health and prolonging life spans. Next, we discuss the science, art, and culture of medicine. Here we examine the extent to which medicine is a science and an art, and the effects of culture on medical practice. We then discuss the principles guiding health care provision in Canada, and some proposals for reforming Canada's health care system. After that, we turn to issues in clinical ethics. We examine the ground and scope of three principles that underlie ethical decision-making in medical ethics - autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Then we turn to cases in medical ethics, using the principles to help us evaluate different courses of action in those situations. We also consider some issues in veterinary ethics, discussing the similarities and differences between ethics involving humans and ethics involving animals. At the end of the course, you should be better equipped to evaluate philosophical arguments, to develop your own reasoned positioned on some philosophical issues in human and veterinary medicine, and to express your views clearly, both orally and in writing.

Textbook(s) Hebert, Doing Right 2nd edition, some readings on Courselink and on reserve at the library. Course Requirements/Evaluations: (tentative) Best 2 of 3 tests + final exam

Syllabus

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PHIL2030 Syllabus.pdf	62.09 KB