This subject focuses on ethical and philosophical issues that arise in the biological sciences, including the medical and health sciences, and the technologies they employ. Scientific disciplines, the biosciences are committed to objectivity and neutrality, but also interact with categories that are socially coded such as race, gender, and disability. Concepts such as health and disease can be understood as natural, biomedical concepts, but also as evaluative concepts that play social roles; and biological conceptions of intelligence, mental illness or disability can be even more contentious. Further, technological advances give us new ways to change human beings, some of which are seen as improvements or enhancements. In examining a series of topics, including race science, eugenics, intelligence, disease, disability, and bioenhancement, you will learn how to critically examine the role of social processes and values in the biosciences, and of the biosciences in society.
This is a level 3 subject. This subject includes live sessions with the expectation of student attendance and participation.
