Biology, Medical Ethics, Biotech & Bioethics: Philosophy Lesson for Students Aged 8-16 [P4C]

This fun philosophy lesson is focused on ‘bioethics’ and explores moral and ethical issues relating to biomedical research, new biomedical technologies, and the field of practical medicine.

This philosophy session is of particular interest to Biology Teachers and is designed with the biology classroom in mind; since it explores moral issues in depth, the resource can also contribute to your schools SMSC remit. This session explores topics such as:

• Ethical vs unethical biomedical research
• Animal experimentation
• New biotechnologies such as cloning and genetic engineering
• Moral dilemmas faced by medical professionals
• Euthanasia

Whilst the session explores some reproductive technologies and their implications (such as the ability for parents to choose the sex of their child), it does not refer to the abortion debate. We felt that this particular topic was not suitable for younger learners and was far too important, controversial and nuanced to be covered in a ‘Fun Philosophy Lesson’!

The big question asked in this session is “What are the biggest ethical issues raised by upcoming biotechnologies?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as:

• What is the difference between an ethical scientific experiment and an unethical one?
• To what extent should all people have the right to refuse medical treatment?
• To what extent is it moral and desirable to improve the human species using biomedical technologies such as genetic engineering?
• Why might some people feel that the widespread use of cosmetic surgery is morally problematic? and
• To what extent is ‘Jurassic Park’ a morally problematic idea?

This session uses our unique format for philosophy teaching resources and features an integrated menu that allows teachers to select from a variety of starter, main, plenary, assessment and end-of-lesson reflection activities. With a massive selection of activities designed to trigger philosophical discussions, debates and reflections: you can re-use the resource numerous times with the same group.

This resource is suitable for students aged 8-16; due to the flexible nature of the sessions design it can be used for multiple hour-long sessions or as a short stimulating tutor-group activity.

The file is a PowerPoint Show: no planning or preparation is required, just run the file and the intuitive menu system will make delivering a powerful philosophy session very easy!