This text is part of the special section Higher Education
The Faculty of Theology and Religious Sciences and the Faculty of philosophy of Université Laval are launching a new microprogram in bioethics and environmental ethics.
“Our two faculties have been collaborating for some time, points out Nadia-Elena Vacaru, associate professor at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and responsible for the microprogram, and we already have shared courses. The idea for this program came from our regular discussions, because we believe in the relevance of such a firmware. »
This choice to center the microprogram on bioethics and environmental ethics is not innocent. “Bioethics,” explains Mr.me Vacaru is the ethics associated with the life sciences, in particular the biomedical sciences. And the advances of our modern societies in biomedical sciences oblige individuals, groups and even societies to think about and set up standards for the actions that human beings can take. And the climate changes we are experiencing directly question the relationship that human beings have with nature and the use they make of it. These are two areas of ethics that are not only relevant today, but will also remain so in the future. »
An innovative approach
Today, ethics is present in all areas of human activity, if only the codes of ethics of the various professions, for example. “Human beings cannot function solely on instinct, like animals,” argues M.me Vacaru. He is condemned to reflect and ask himself the following questions: why am I doing what I am doing? What are the repercussions of my actions? Just because I can do something doesn’t mean I have to. What is good and what is bad? And under what circumstances? »
Faced with such questions, it is not surprising to learn that ethics courses are on the program of the majority of university faculties.
“But the ethics courses currently offered in Quebec universities are courses in applied ethics,” says Ms.me Vacaru. They are designed to find a solution to specific problems. Each discipline has its own problems. »
This microprogram in bioethics and environmental ethics differs from other ethics courses offered by an approach that is essentially theoretical. “The approach we advocate gives students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the foundations and basic principles on which ethics is based,” says Ms.me Vacaru. We want to arm them with the necessary tools to begin an ethical reflection.
For example, one of the foundations of ethics is respect for the human person. But how to circumscribe this respect for the human person in a situation such as that of medical assistance in dying? How to accompany death while respecting the dignity of human life? Another problem is the relationship of human beings with the objects they use. What authority does he have over these objects? How do you determine whether you are making good use of technique and technology? This kind of ethical reflection requires a theoretical basis, which this firmware offers. »
A first step
The microprogram in Bioethics and Environmental Ethics is offered this fall semester and is intended primarily, but not exclusively, for undergraduate students in Philosophy and Theology and Religious Studies. This is a microprogram of 15 credits which is given on a part-time basis and is spread over four semesters offered in the fall and winter. It has six courses.
“You have to understand that this firmware is just the beginning,” says M.me Vacaru. We can very well expect that some students who have completed this short program will undoubtedly want to continue their progress in theoretical ethics at the master’s level and possibly at the doctorate level. The offer will then have to be adjusted accordingly. Not to mention that the program could grow if students from other faculties find it relevant to their path and their discipline.
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