Course Syllabus
Neuroethics |
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| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2020 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Credits: |
3 credits |
| Prerequisites |
One course of biology or neuroscience at university level |
| Major Disciplines: |
Biology, Neuroscience, Philosophy |
| Faculty Members: |
Bettina Hornbøll Borch and Elise Utke Schiøler |
| Program Director: | Susanna LS Dietrich - sd@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays and Thursdays, 13:15 - 14:35 Classroom TBA |
Faculty
| Bettina Hornbøll Borch Ph.D. (Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2017), MSc. (Neurobiology, University of Copenhagen, 2006), BA (Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2004). Founder of CogniCation; cognitive communication. Has been conducting neuroscience research for approx. 10 years, investigating emotion processing in the brain using imaging. With DIS since 2012. |
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| Elise Schiøler Cand. phil. (philosophy, University of Copenhagen). External lecturer in medical ethics, theory of science, and philosophy of health technologies, University of Copenhagen, 2007-. External lecturer in theory of science, scientific method and argumentation analysis at The Defense College, 2012. With DIS since 2011. |
Course Description
As neuroscience expands our understanding of neural processes, core ideas and phenomena related to our selfperception such as character traits, personal values, moral assessments, and free will, are challenged. This opens new fields for concerns and ethical considerations.
To fully understand the challenges faced, these considerations should not only consist in revisiting and -defining philosphical core concepts regarding our identity as human beings, but must also understand the way that neurotechnologies achieve new understanding of- and affect neuro processes. Therefore this course crosses disciplines and is taught by both a neurobiologist and a philosopher. This also allows us to cover both of the two mainfields within neuroethics: Ethics of neuroscience and Neuroscience of ethics.
Among others, we will cover topics like neuroenhancement, neuromarketing, brain privacy from both philosphical and neuroscientific perspectives. In addition, we will also discuss how neurotechnologies can be properly evaluated – and by whom.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course you will be able to appreciate the possibilities and acknowledge the limitations in getting to understand ourselves as human beings through a neuroscientific perspective: to specify what kind of questions that can be asked meaningfully, and what the explanatory scope within neuroscience is.
Required Readings
Possible readings for the course:
Dubljevic, V., Jotterand, F., Jox, R.J., Racine, E. (eds.) (Forthcoming). Advances in neuroethics. Springer.
Gallagher, S., Zahavi, D. (2012). The phenomenological mind, 2nd ed. New York, NY. Routledge.
Illes, J. (2017). Neuroethics - anticipating the future, 1st ed. Oxford University Press.
Levys, N. (2010). Neuroethics - Challenges for the 21st century. Cambridge University Press.
Along with current scientific literature within the fields, as well as other publications e.g. news articles that are relevant for the discussion in class.
Please note that the course draws on scientific literature from both philosophical and neuroscience traditions.
Approach to Teaching
Each of the classes will present some measure of lecturing, ensuring that the required academic concepts and theories are 'clear and distinct'. However, current dialogue and partner-, group-, as well as class discussions will be prevalent.
Good teaching is a co-operation. As we in class combine brief lectures with partner reflections, group work and class discussions, for a fruitful course it is paramount that all participants show up well prepared to take active part in the dialogues.
Field Studies and Guest Lecturers
Field studies serve to complement your course work by placing you in other contexts than class in order to compare, extend, and rethink what has been (or will be) read and discussed in class.
Potential Field Studies: Visit the PET and cyklotron center at Rigshospitalet, Center for Subjectivity Research.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated continuously thought the semester, both individually and as part of groups work - see below.
Grading
| Participation | 20% |
| Group project | 20% |
| Reflections | 20% |
| Midterm exam | 20% |
| Final project | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Policies
Laptops in class: You may use your laptop for note‐taking or fact‐checking. Usage not related to the class or our subject is unacceptable. We will rely on your integrity and your respect for our objectives. If you are using your laptop for reasons not related to class, your class participation grade will be reduced significantly as you will be marked as absent for the entire class period. A good learning environment requires as little disturbance as possible, and that everyone is present, prepared, and participating.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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