Internationalizing Bioethics: The Japanese Case
BTHX 5000-002; GLOS 5900-002
Mondays, 2:00-5:00 p.m. September 18-October 9
Room change: Class meets in N539 Boynton
Instructor: William LaFleur
American bioethicists have begun to recognize that internationalizing their discipline may be more difficult than was once assumed. Japan has been especially resistant to the way issues have been defined and solutions have been sought here. Attention in this course will be given to range of issues where difference surfaces—informed consent, patient autonomy, organ transplantation, abortion, reproductive technologies, treatment of dementia, and issues related to dying. More importantly, these will provide a standpoint for looking back at the cultural, philosophical, and religious assumptions in American approaches. The aim will be to put more nuance into how this discipline might be internationalized. Readings will include Margaret Lock. Twice Dead: Organ Transplants and the Reinvention of Death and Susan Orpett Long , Final Days: Japanese Culture and Choice at the End of Life.
Professor William LaFleur, a noted scholar who works on comparative bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, will be visiting the Institute of Advanced Study for three weeks this fall from September 25 through October 13 and will be teaching a one-credit course. There will be a brief orientation meeting on September 18 during which students will be given syllabi and instructions for the first class. After LaFleur leaves campus, he will be available electronically to continue the discussion.
To register, go to the class schedule.