Module manager: Erik Zhang
Email: E.Zhang@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
40 credits of L2 Philosophy
PHIL2295 Ethics of Life and Death
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is designed to give you an advanced introduction to philosophical bioethics — the study of applied ethics at the intersection of philosophy, medicine, law, health and social policy, and the life sciences. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module
The primary objective is for you to gain a critical awareness of philosophical bioethics. This involves gaining an understanding of some of the perennial issues in this area of applied philosophy as well as an understanding of some of the ethical concepts, arguments, and theories used to address bioethical issues.
These objectives will be achieved in two ways. First, through interactive lectures and seminars grounded in theory and practice, you are introduced to core concepts, readings, and arguments, and encouraged to critically reflect on and develop their own arguments about them. Second, through seminar preparation and participation where you read texts critically, analyse the arguments, discuss the material with your peers, and are encouraged to develop your own bioethical point of view.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Accurately identify and articulate some of the core issues in philosophical bioethics
2. Critically analyse some of the concepts, arguments, and theories central to philosophical bioethics
3. Demonstrate an independence of mind by cogently defending a personal view on some bioethical issues
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
5. Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Identify appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)
This module will introduce several core topics in philosophical bioethics. The syllabus will vary annually. Topics could include, for example, abortion, reproductive ethics, disability, physician-assisted death, and organ transplantation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 177 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback. Students are given a choice of three options: essay plan; exposition of a philosophical argument; objection and reply.
To ensure that students get the formative feedback that they need, they are asked to read and reflect on (i) the feedback they received in previous summative assessments, (ii) the PRHS marking criteria and (iii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module. This requires students to critically engage with previous feedback, current expectations, and play an active role in honing their knowledge and skill development.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 17/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team