Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3122: Philosophy of Medicine

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level 5
Credits 15 ECTS Value 7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module will run during term 2 (11 weeks)

Academic staff

Dr Stephan Guttinger (Convenor)

Pre-requisites

None 

Co-requisites

None 

Available via distance learning

No

This module will introduce you to the key philosophical issues that arise in contemporary medicine and biomedical research. We will consider fundamental concepts and debates in medicine, such as the definition of health and disease, or the question of what counts as “good” evidence in medicine. We will also explore positions and ideas that take a critical look at Western medicine, such as “alternative” medicine. Finally, we will analyse new philosophical issues that artificial intelligence and Big Data raise for medical practice and research. The module has no prerequisites and is suitable for students in philosophy, as well as students in the social sciences.

Module created

18/01/2022

Last revised

16/02/2022