Universität Wien

180096 SE Genetic Engineering: Philosophical and Social Aspects. (2018W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Wednesday 10.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 17.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 24.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 31.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 07.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 14.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 21.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 28.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 05.12. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 12.12. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 09.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 16.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 23.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 30.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Content:
Genetic engineering is one of the most hotly discussed high-tech scientific fields that is increasingly depicted also in the popular culture. The course examines the various roles of genetic engineering in the present and future society from the societal and philosophical points of view. The central topics include gene editing of humans and personalized medicine; biohacking, biosafety and bioterrorism; and synthetic life and the question of whether the creation of artificial/synthetic life is morally significant. The course focuses in particular on synthetic biology that aims to redesign existing biological organisms and create new organisms and their parts.

Methods:
- close reading and critical discussion of the literature (concepts, themes, arguments)
- group work and presentations
- short lectures by the instructor
- writing a thesis-driven essay on a specific theme discussed in the course

Objectives:
The broad aim of the course is to encourage students to familiarize themselves with science and technology, and critically reflect on their societal, environmental and philosophical implications. By taking this course the students should learn to discuss in a scientifically and philosophically informed way the different socio-economic and epistemic aspects of such scientifically advanced new technological fields as genetic engineering. This includes an ability to make political and value judgments concerning the aims and practices of genetic engineering by identifying the environmentally, socially and politically difficult issues and uncertainties, and the interests and values of different societal stakeholders.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment:
- an essay, group work and presentation, and active seminar attendance

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Requirements for passing the course:
- active participation to the seminars (30 %)
- group work on a freely chosen synthetic biology application (30%)
- write a thesis-driven essay (in English, 1500 words, excluding references) (40 %)

Examination topics

Reading list

Readings:
The readings consist of scientific review and opinion papers intended for a more general audience, as well as philosophical, economic, and sociological articles that have appeared in journals, newspapers and blogs. Video material will also be used. The readings will be posted on Moodle unless they are freely available on the Internet.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:36