CPT-13806 Ethics, Health and Society

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

In this course key ethical concepts, values and approaches, that are central for health and society, are explored and applied. Health, well-being, justice, and autonomy can be considered as some of the core values of public health. Moral problems occur when such values are clashing. These issues mostly do not allow for simple, determinate answers, but that does not imply that 'anything goes': it is possible and inevitable to reflect on what is right and wrong, and to formulate and assess ethical arguments. Ethical theories can help in that respect. Throughout the course, key concepts, core values and approaches are introduced and illustrated. Students learn to analyse the argumentative structure of texts, and they engage in ethical case discussions with help of a deliberation format.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to:
- understand the ethical dimensions of public health and health policy;
- have basic understanding of key ethical concepts, values and approaches that are relevant to societal problems in relation to health;
- analyse the argumentative steps in an opinion article or ethical discussion paper;
- analyse and discuss (orally and in writing) a practical ethical problem with help of a deliberation structure.

Activities:

- lectures;
- tutorials;
- literature study;
- individual paper;
- group discussions and group paper.

Examination:

- written exam with closed questions (40%);
- group paper (30%);
- and individual paper (30%).

Literature:

Bolt LLE, Verweij MF, Van Delden JJM. Ethiek in Praktijk. Van Gorcum, Assen. 7e druk, 2010.
Additional literature available through Blackboard.