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PHIL 120: Introduction to Ethics

Course Description

The goal of the course is to help students understand the principles of classical theoretical philosophical ethics with case studies designed to develop ways of understanding themselves and becoming enabled to apply those outlooks to the care they expect to give in a medical context as health professionals.

CREDITS: 3

Prerequisites: Proficiency in written and spoken English is highly recommended.

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Course Topics

Module 1: This module is an introduction to philosophical ethics and contains the instuctions for the first essay based Journal Reflection.

Module 2: This module is an introduction to philosophical ethics in relation to biomedicine: Part 1 of 2. We explore what it means to be human and healthy, and how this is related to helping people live well. ANA ethical provisions are examined.

Module 3: This module addresses virtue ethics which consider what constitutes the good life, using some of the classical works of Aristotle and Eudemian Ethics, and aims for an understanding of what is meant by virtue, happiness and wellbeing. Ethical principles outlined by the ANA are explored and connected to the notion of virtue.

Module 4: This module explores deontology, culture and patient advocacy. Through both a case study and journal reflections, students will be able to express their understanding about how ethical theory relates to patient advocacy.

Module 5: This module explores utilitarianism in relation to medical practice, specifically organ donation and mandatory vaccinations.

Module 6: This module discusses ethical concerns related to death and the dying process, including the role of ethics consults and committees.

Module 7: This module explores compassionate nursing and burnout related to physical, mental and emotional turmoil that healthcare workers experience. Also discussed are errors in healthcare and the phenomenon of the ‘second victims’ in healthcare.

Module 8: The final module in this course will serve as an appropriate culmination of what students have explored throughout the course.