VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Philosophical Ethics of Life and Death
Philosophische Ethik von Leben und Tod
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:06
Abstract
This course discusses ethical issues relating to life and death, e.g. reproductive technology, euthanasia, organ transplantation, genetic engineering, animal and nature conservation, human enhancement, animal welfare, nature conservation, biodiversity and our relation to nature more generally.
Objective
Students will get an overview of different historical and contemporary approaches in bioethics. They are enabled to further developing their abilities to understand complex theories, to critically reflect on them and to put them up for discussion.
Content
Bioethics is a very broad field, encompassing ethical issues relating to life and death, e.g. reproductive technology, euthanasia, organ transplantation, genetic engineering, human enhancement, animal welfare, biodiversity and our relation to nature more generally. Bioethics is addressed in various contexts and disciplines, in politics, in law, in religious contexts, in the social sciences, religious studies, medicine and the biosciences. The focus in this course is on the fundamental debates in ethics as a philosophical discipline. In addition, topics are selected for discussion depending on the students' interests.
Resources
Literature
As an introduction: Düwell, Marcus (2013). "Bioethics: methods, theories, domains." New York: Routledge.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Philosophische Ethik von Leben und Tod
Vorlesung: Donnerstag 16-18 Uhr
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
-
Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
-
-
-