https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/W_MASP_PBH1By the end of the course, the student...acquires knowledge of topics within reproductive ethicsacquires knowledge of topics within the ethics of end-of-life decision-makingacquires knowledge of bioethical topics related to the philosophy of mindimproves their ability to explain definitions, concepts, and theories relevant to the philosophical problems we discuss.improves their ability to reconstruct philosophical arguments in speaking and writingimproves their ability to identify key assumptions in philosophical argumentsimproves their critical thinking by identifying objections or additional supporting reasons for arguments we considerimproves their ability to construct original arguments related to the problems examined in the course.This course examines ethical problems related to life, death, and the mind with a focus on a clinical ethics context.In the first part of the course, we will primarily focus on ethical issues related to reproductive ethics. We will focus especially on arguments about moral rights over one's body, the basis of moral status, the badness of death, and the implications of one's views on these topics for reproductive ethics.In the second part of the course, we will address questions related to the end of life—especially voluntary active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. This will push us to think about the nature of autonomy, personal identity, and the whether there's an intrinsic moral difference between killing and letting die.In the third and final part of the course, we will discuss topics related to the philosophy of mind—especially mental disorders. Here we will ask, what exactly, is a mental disorder? How should we think about the connection between mental disorders and moral agency? And how should psychiatric institutions respond to those with mental disorders who are dangerous to themselves or others?Taking an exam; interactive lectures/discussions; study of literature; presentation (assignment); group discussion.Final exam, approx. (50%) (Objectives 1-8): A cumulative in-class examination. Students will have to demonstrate familiarity with the material and display the skills they've learned in short answers and two short essays. Presentation (40%) (Objectives 4-8): Most days, students will present on one or more of the readings. As will be discussed in further depth, this involves creating a handout that the rest of the class can use. In-Class Contributions (10%) (Objectives 4-8): There will be plenty of opportunities for students to discuss material during class. The quality of contributions matters more than the quantity of contributions for this assessment.Several articles that will be available online (VU Library) or provided.Master students of Philosophy 2 year, Track Philosophy, Bioethics and Health.While there is some flexibility at the discretion of the instructor, students should have completed first-year PBH requirements before taking this course.