Philosophy in Action I

Full course description

Students will be made aware of the ethical aspects of the possibility to manage reproduction. In addition they will discuss the need to reliable handle the increasing availability of genetic data and the knowledge of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. 

In week 1 students will be introduced to ethics, its role in science and its role in the context of reproductive genetics. In addition, the planning of the symposium and the work on assignment A will be introduced.

During week 1-3 students read scientific and ethical literature one one key, preselected topic, and create a rough draft of the ethical analysis. They can use the Q&A session in week 3 to overcome problems. During week 4 students finalise the analysis and present as a group in a symposium (=Assignment A see below).

In week 5 students will be introduced into the topics of science in society, the context of scientific inquiry regarding e.g. the increasing availability of genetic data.  In addition, assignment B (writing assignment see below) will be explained. Students will write a brief reflection on their experiences in the symposium/debate.

During week 6-8 Students will collect questions for discussion meetings taking place in week 6 and work on assignment B. Students have to submit the assignment at the end of week 7.

Groups may rotate/switch/trade assigned topics.