Assessment

Exam 100%

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce learners who are in formation for Ministry to the Permanent Diaconate to some of the fundamental elements of Catholic ethics by considering topics is bioethics. It looks to issues at the intersection of moral conduct with the field of medicine, such as conscience and decision-making, models of morality, and current issues in medicine.

Indicative Syllabus

• Introduction to Themes. Bioethics as an intersection of fields of enquiry (On-campus)
• The Promise and Purpose of Medicine (Self-directed)
• The Practices of Medicine (Live online)
• Attending to Ethical Experience (Self-directed)
• Three Models of Morality (Live online)
• Attending to A Religious Practice (Self-directed)
• Theological Anthropology and Implications for Medicine (Live online)
• The Natural Law (Self-directed)
• Conscience and Decision Making (Live online)
• On the beginning of life – Abortion, IVF and ART (On-campus)
• On sustaining life – Irish healthcare system and justice (Self-directed)
• On sustaining life – Resource Allocation and organ transplantation (Live online)
• On the End of Life: Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide (Live online)

Learning Outcomes

• — (LO1) Identify issues and trends in contemporary healthcare and clinical practice
• — (LO2) Demonstrate an introductory knowledge of a range of ethical theories and moral principles of the Catholic moral tradition, including natural law and conscience
• — (LO3) Present material clearly and empathetically in a manner suitable for diaconate ministry
• — (LO4) Paraphrase differing ethical frameworks used in ethical issues in health care
• — (LO5) Identify the resources offered by the Catholic moral tradition that inform its vision of medicine
• — (LO6) Interact prudently with a selection of ethical issues in the field of medical ethics.

Bibliography

• — Austin, Victor Lee. Christian Ethics: A Guide for the Perplexed (London: T&T Clark, 2012). Hannon, Patrick. Moral Decision Making. Dublin: Veritas, 2005.
• — Moral Theology: A Reader. Dublin: Veritas, 2006.
• — Harington, Daniel. What is Morality? Dublin: Columba Press, 1996.
• — Lamoureux P. and Paul J. Wadell. The Christian Moral Life: Faithful Discipleship for a Global Society (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010).
• — Mattison, William C. Introducing Moral Theology: True Happiness and the Virtues. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008.
• — McCoy, Alban. An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Christian Ethics. London: Continuum Press, 2001.
• — Matzko McCarthy, David and Therese Lysaught, eds., Gathered for the Journey (London: SPC Press, 2007)
• — Waddell, Paul J. Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefied, 2008.
• — Ashley, Benedict M & O’Rourke, Kevin D., Health Care Ethics: A Theological Analysis, Catholic Health Association of US, 1997.
• — Corkery, Padraig. Bioethics and the Catholic Moral Tradition. Dublin: Veritas, 2011.
• — Sowle-Cahill, Lisa. Theological Bioethics. Washington: Georgetown, 2005
• — Meilaender, Gilbert. Bioethics: A Primer for Christians. Eerdmans; 2004.
• — O’Rourke, Kevin D and Phillip Boyle. Medical Ethics: Sources of Catholic Teachings. 4th edn. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2011.
• — Shannon, Thomas A. An Introduction to Bioethics. 4th edn. Mahweh NJ: Paulist Press, 2009
• — Sutton, Agneta. Christian Bioethics: A Guide for the Perplexed. London: T&T Clark, 2008. 
• — Walter, James J & Shannon, Thomas A. Contemporary Issues in Bioethics: A Catholic Perspective. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005.