PHIL 228 Feminist Bioethics (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 228) (Not offered 2008-2009) (W)
In this course we will explore the ways in which feminist approaches to moral thinking have influenced both the methodology and the content of contemporary bioethics. The first portion of the course will address the emergence of the "Ethics of Care," critically assessing its origins in feminist theory, its development within the context of the caring professions, and its potential as a general approach to bioethical reasoning. The second portion of the course will use feminist philosophy to inform our understanding of the ways in which gender structures the individual's interactions with the health care system. To do this, we will explore topics that might traditionally be considered "women's issues" in health care, such as medicine and body image (e.g., cosmetic surgery, eating disorders), reproductive and genetic technologies, and research on women and their health care needs. In addition we will also look at feminist analyses of topics that traditionally haven't been identified as particularly gender specific, such as resource allocation and end of life issues.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: active participation in class discussions, two mid-length papers (7-10 pp. each), and weekly short writing assignments (app. 2 pp. each).
No prerequisites, although previous coursework in Women's and Gender Studies is desirable. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 8-10). Preference given to Women's and Gender Studies and Philosophy majors.
J. PEDRONI