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851-0052-00L 2 Credits DS D-GESS

Introduction to Bioethics

Lecturers & Examiners: Niklas Kirchner, Louisa Estadieu
Der Kurs richtet sich in erster Linie an Studierende des D-BSSE.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:55

Abstract

This course introduces ethical theories used in the justification of the application of biotechnologies. An overview of key bioethical questions concerning the moral status of humans and questions regarding human nature will provide the background to critically reflect on specific bioethical topics such as informed consent, euthanasia, reproductive medicine, enhancement and stem cell research.

Objective

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to critically reflect and discuss different ethical positions ((non)-consequentialism, contractualism and principlism), issues (moral status of humans) and topics related to bioethics (informed consent, euthanasia, reproductive medicine, stem cell research, enhancement, animal testing, and genetic engineering in agriculture).

Content

Bioethics is a vast field that covers animal ethics (selective breeding, animal experiments) environmental ethics (the value of nature) and medical ethics (involving topics such as informed consent, organ transplantation, euthanasia, reproductive medicine, stem cell research, gene therapy and enhancement). Moral intuitions and judgements in these areas diverge. This is partly due to different cultural backgrounds but can also be traced back to different views regarding fundamental concepts involved in these debates such as personhood, autonomy, consciousness and the aims of medicine that play a role in the justification of biotechnologies. These differences have led to heightened tension in the political realm in various societies all over the world. In the face of this kind of moral pluralism an important role that philosophical ethics can play, is to offer systematic arguments regarding moral matters, question platitudes and analyze the existing concepts that play a role in the assessment of biotechnologies and treatments. The aim of this seminar is thus to provide the participants with the tools to reflect on their own moral standpoints and to better understand opposing views, in order to further constructive discourse in these areas. The course will follow an introductory work by Marcus Düwell “Bioethics: Methods, Theories and Domains”, while supplementing this with key, classical readings. For a positive grade, students will be required to hand in three homework assignments on topics discussed in the book, present a paper in groups on a bioethical topic of their choice and submit an essay of 3000 words, ideally on the topic of their presentation.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
50
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 16.02.2026 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Introduction to Bioethics
Der Blockkurs wird in den Räumlichkeiten des D-BSSE in Basel stattfinden: • Block 1: Mon / Tue 16. and 17.02.2026_ 09:00-16:00 _Raum: BSS E23 • Block 2: Mon / Tue 18. and 19.05.2026 _ 09:00-16:00 _Raum: BSS E23
  • 16.02 Date 09:15-16:00 (BSS E 23)
  • 17.02 Date 09:15-16:00 (BSS E 23)
  • 18.05 Date 09:15-16:00 (BSS E 23)
  • 19.05 Date 09:15-16:00 (BSS E 23)
28 h semesterly

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.)