LFU:online

Basic knowledge of central topics in medical ethics.

This lecture series presents and discusses basic questions and current issues in contemporary medical ethics. Participants will study various approaches to medical ethics which will be tested by reference to concrete case studies. The focus will be on the four classical principles by Beauchamp and Childress. Participants will also study current issues like Advance Care Planning, cultural aspects of medical ethics and the debate on conscientious objections. In all these contexts we will discuss the significance and also the limits of the classic principles (autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice). From the very beginning, participants will learn about the doctor-patient relationship as it is reflected in important texts of reference such as the Hippocratic Oath and the WMA International Code of Medical Ethics.

Lecture, preparation of texts, class room discussions.

Reflection papers, written exam.

To be announced at the beginning of the course.