SOC 365 - Bioethics: Sociological Perspective

4 Credits

1 Units

Our cultural concept of what defines a “human being,” and what defines both normal and desired life experiences impacts not only the practice of medicine, but also our pursuit of new medical technologies. And once those technologies are created, they may in turn impact our experience and change previous expectations and understandings. The past few decades have brought about a substantial change in the practice of medicine. We have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of people undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures in light of what many social scientists argue is a new age of age discrimination. We have new disease categories such as ADHD which have impacted the experience of childhood in America, so the once “unruly” or “squirmy” child is now medically controlled. Among developed nations, the United States holds the distinction of reporting the largest percent of its adult population on antidepressants. This medical response to stress and sadness is in part a response to the general American perception that sadness impedes productivity. And think about how America’s fascination with both physical and intellectual prowess is leading us closer to genetic engineering. (U2)(PTK:HUM)

Prerequisite: SOC 115 or ANTH 113 and junior/senior standing.
Credit Type Code: Letter Grade