261003 Autonomy in Biomedical Ethics (S) (WiSe 2008/2009)

Autonomy has been central to contemporary philosophical discussions of bioethics; doctors, it is often argued, should not act paternalistically toward patients, but rather should provide wide latitude for patients to decide for themselves how they would like to be treated. Recently, however, some philosophers have questioned the central role that autonomy plays in the bioethics literature. In the Gifford Lectures of 2001, for example, Onora O'Neill argued that philosophers have overemphasized the idea of individual autonomy and have lost sight of the importance of the value of trust.

This seminar will examine this debate. Probable readings include discussions of autonomy by Gerald Dworkin, Harry Frankfurt, and others, and Onora O'Neill's book, Autonomy and Trust in Bioethics. 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.

Literaturangaben

To be announced.