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February 12 meeting agenda:


Assignment, due 2/12/03:

1. Read Ch. 2 of the text, and the professional codes handout.

2. Be prepared for the following discussion topics: 1) Ethical theories- virtue ethics & utilitarianism. 2) Relationship of professional codes to ethical theories. 3) Application of professional codes to biotech issues.

3. Something to think about: Would it be useful to have a scribe or some other means of collecting the progress of each week's meeting, that could then be posted on this web site? The idea here is to maximize the information access, while minimizing the workload burden. I'm open to suggestions.

4. Explore on-line & in literature for case ideas to use 2/19: DNA, central dogma, & evolution. Look for something that focuses on an aspect or process covered in ch. 4. Be prepared to bring these ideas to class 2/12 to organize for the following week.

In class:

1. Finalize schedule- agree on topics and presenters. [See draft schedule.]

2. Do we want to use a scribe or other means of posting class proceedings? Discuss briefly.

3. Select focus for case ideas for next week: DNA, central dogma, & evolution. [See 2 below.]

a. Each group organizes preparation and presentation strategy for one case.
b. Individual responsibilities assigned and lead presenter selected.

4. Ethical theories- quick exercises & discussion continued

a. Virtue ethics
b. Utilitarianism

5. Professional codes & practical principles of conduct

a. Roles of physicians and research scientists
b. Conflicts of interest- sample case presentation
c. Duties to future generations of humans & other organisms
d. Environmental impacts

6. Formal decision making

a. Institution Review Boards [IRBs]
b. Legal system


For next week:

1. Read in Genetic Engineering: Ch's 3 & 4.

2. As a group, prepare a brief case presentation relating to the selected focus area. [See 3 above.] The following steps need to be included:

1) Identify the key issues and dilemmas. What are the ethical problems?

2) What background information is needed? What are the relevant facts & how should they be assessed?

3) What type of experts and/or stakeholders need to be consulted?

4) What are the values involved?

5) What are the possible solutions? How are the better solutions chosen?

6) How should the decision making process be organized?

Each group should be prepared to make a 20 minute presentation of the selected case and the summary of the six steps above. Select one representative to give the main presentation- the others may chime in where appropriate. You may use the board, overhead, or PowerPoint. Let me know of your needs in advance.

3. Explore on-line & in literature for case ideas to use 2/26: In vitro molecular biology. Look for something that focuses on an aspect or process covered in ch. 5. Be prepared to bring these ideas to class 2/19 to organize for the following week. [Heads up: This process will be repeated again next week for chapter 6.]

 

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 Updated 2/9/03 by thatcher@sonoma.edu