PHRN 107 - Ethics

This course is a systematic study of the rational principles of moral behavior and philosophical methods of making moral decisions with special emphasis on the philosophical basis of the dignity of the human person. Our aim is to provide an understanding of the types of moral behavior that come into question in human life, and within Nursing in particular, on the basis of natural reason alone without the aid of revelation. We will study traditional philosophical views on the basis of morality such as Virtue Ethics, Natural Law Theory, Utilitarianism, and Kantian Deontological Ethics. We will learn basic methods of moral reasoning in applying the principles of these theories to specific issues and problems that arise in Nursing. We will also consider the philosophical basis of human dignity, the nature of human suffering, and the ethical requirements of care.

Three credits.