THE ETHICS OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY
An in-depth study of a selection of ethical issues arising from the application of modern biotechnology to microorganisms, plants, non-human animals, and human beings. We will aim at a discussion that is informed by empirical research and by work done in ethical theory, political philosophy, and other relevant disciplines, and whose character is rigorous, clear, nuanced, and unbiased.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Junior standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Humanities & Arts Breadth - Humanities Level - Intermediate L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Think critically about arguments. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Communicate precisely and concisely in both writing and speech. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Exchange reasons about controversial matters respectfully and with the aim of uncovering the truth. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Practice interpretive charity and intellectual honesty, which includes appropriate attribute to others of their ideas, and recognition and frankness about the limitations of one’s own ideas. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Independently locate and engage with the latest relevant empirical and philosophical research. Audience: Graduate 6. Exhibit substantial synthetic and analytic abilities by considering how an application of modern biotechnology ethically compares to the status quo and to other possible alternatives. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Think critically about arguments. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Communicate precisely and concisely in both writing and speech. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Exchange reasons about controversial matters respectfully and with the aim of uncovering the truth. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Practice interpretive charity and intellectual honesty, which includes appropriate attribute to others of their ideas, and recognition and frankness about the limitations of one’s own ideas. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Independently locate and engage with the latest relevant empirical and philosophical research. Audience: Graduate 6. Exhibit substantial synthetic and analytic abilities by considering how an application of modern biotechnology ethically compares to the status quo and to other possible alternatives. Audience: Graduate
Sources
Catalogue variants
- THE ETHICS OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY · 3 credits.