261003 Science, Medicine, and Politics (S) (SoSe 2008)

Within the philosophy of science and science studies more generally, the question of whether and/or how the public should play a role in scientific decision-making is one that is receiving increasing attention. Should scientific communities themselves decide which problems they address, notwithstanding the fact that they receive large amounts of public funding? Or should the public have some say in which problems are addressed? This course will examine questions such as these. Particular attention will be paid to recent advances in genetics and genetic engineering, and to the ethical and political concerns surrounding such research. The course will be conducted in English.
To receive credit, students will have the option to write either one 8-10 page essay or two 4-5 page papers.

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

BA-Studiengang: Abschluss des ersten Studienjahres.
Magister- und Lehramts-Studiengang: Zwischenprüfung.

Literaturangaben

To be announced.