This course will analyse contemporary biomedical debates with their underlying philosophical and theological principles, values, and views of the human being; and it will examine the different European and international legislations that these debates have produced. Issues at the beginning and at the end of human life, the possible conflict between parents’ and children’s perspectives, and the visions of society and humanity implied in different views of the new reproductive technologies, genetics, healing, enhancement, cloning, and euthanasia will be discussed. Films and excerpts from (what used to be?) science fiction literature will provide additional avenues to the topics.

Lecturer

Maureen Junker-Kenny, Professor

How to apply

Applications can be made in person on Wednesday, 19 September 2012, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the Department of Religions and Theology, room 5010, level 5 of the Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2 or by post before 19 September 2012.

Fee

Part 1 €150

Part 2 €150

Both parts €259

For security reasons payment should be by cheque/draft/postal money order only, made payable to Trinity College no. 1 account. A concession rate is available to second and third level students, unemployed persons and those in receipt of a social welfare pension. Those paying in two instalments must make the second payment by Friday, 11 January 2013.

Date

Teaching in Michaelmas term commences during the week beginning 24 September 2012 and in Hilary term during the week beginning 14 January 2013. Please note this is a day-time course.

Duration

The course runs for a total of twenty-two weeks in two parts. Part 1 runs through Michaelmas term; part 2 runs through Hilary term.

Further information

Contact: Jane Welch, Executive Officer, Department of Religions and Theology, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Phone: 01 896 1297, email: jwelch@tcd.ie