Description
This course examines topics in bioethics within the context of the canon of faith in the Orthodox tradition. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and language pertaining to issues such as: marriage and sexuality, abortion, IVF, surrogacy, genetic engineering, transgenderism, physician assisted suicide, end of life ethics, and more. Orthodox ethical teaching, stemming from theological presuppositions, will be contrasted with common secular theories of bioethics. Throughout the course, the aim is not to develop a list of ethical norms or theoretical principles external to the Church but rather to seek moral-ascetical paths of virtue amidst the challenges and opportunities of highly technologized modern medicine.
Note: This course is an asynchronous course offering. There is a one week in-person requirement (March 22-26) at St. Vladimir's/Yonkers, NY. Students are responsible for transportation to NY for the one week residency requirement.