The purpose of this course is to evaluate the social impact of technology in the areas of biology/biotechnology, biomedical engineering and chemistry. The focus of the course will be on the human values in these areas and how they are affected by new technological developments. The course will deal with problems such as human experimentation, behavior control, death, genetic engineering and counseling, abortion, and the allocation of scarce medical resources. These problems will be examined through lectures, discussions and papers. This course will be offered in 2021-22, and in alternating years thereafter.
Suggested Background
Knowledge of key terms and concepts as given in PY/RE 1731 and PY/RE 2731.