The bioethics course aims to illustrate the ethical implications of the obstetric profession, through the exploration of health problems that pose choices regarding the fundamental and borderline issues of human and animal life, the issues of disease and its treatment, doctor-patient communication, extreme choices and the limits of medical intervention. Through concrete examples, the fundamental principles of bioethics will be exposed: autonomy (i.e. self-determination of the patient), beneficence, non-maleficence (in harmony with the ancient Hippocratic aphorism "primum non nocere"), justice.
Course Prerequisites
High school historical and scientific notions
Teaching Methods
Lessons. Practical aspects: visit to the Historical Museum of the University of Pavia.
Assessment Methods
Multiple choice and gap-filling tests
Texts
Gilberto Corbellini, Chiara Lilli "Bioetica per perplessi. Una guida ragionata" Mondadori Università Sergio Filippo Magni "Bioetica", Carocci
Contents
Introduction: bioethics, the historical background Neuroethics The criteria for determining brain death Euthanasia Informed consent and living will Assisted fertilization Biotechnology Abortion and the status of the embryo Animal bioethics Environmental bioethics Bioethical problems of caesarean section The bioethical problems of pseudotherapies: the case of homeopathy
