Learning outcomes

The course aims at introducing the philosophical reflection on the different approaches to science with special reference to biotechnology and its ethical implications. At the end of the course the student will have to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and reflection on these aspects.

Program

The meaning of “episteme” and “ethos” in the philosophical concept of nature.
The program is divided into two parts:
1)
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Science;
- The reflection on science and the conception of nature in the following authors and thematic areas: Aristotle, the Pythagorean thought, Plato, Claudius Ptolemy, the deductive systematization of science in Euclid and Archimedes, ancient Atomism, development of Aristotle’s method in the Middle Ages, “saving the appearances”, Kopernik, Kepler, Bode’s law, G. Galilei, Francis Bacon, R. Descartes, I. Newton, G.W. Leibniz, D. Hume, I. Kant, K.R. Popper, T.S. Kuhn;
2)
- The relationship between science, ethics and bioethics: foundations, methodological approaches and classifications;
- Aspects of human bioethics, animal ethics, environmental ethics, ethical theories and ecology;
- The dialogue between the scientific community and society, the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, the ethics of responsibility.

Reading list:
1) J. Losee, Filosofia della scienza. Un’introduzione, traduzione di P. Budinich, Il Saggiatore, Milano 2009;
2) M. Tallacchini, F. Terragni, Le biotecnologie. Aspetti etici, sociali e ambientali, Bruno Mondadori, Milano 2004.

Teaching method: frontal lessons, commenting and discussing the above mentioned texts.

Examination Methods

Written test of the program and reading list. To pass the exam, students will have to demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes.