DNA analysis is now widely available and widely used by the police and healthcare professionals. But it is also offered by commercial companies and used by people who want to pursue people they believe have committed a crime. We will explore some of the moral issues arising - the use of DNA information without consent; how reliable online DNA analysis results are; people bypassing the criminal justice system - using the philosophical ideas of privacy, self-ownership, the rule of law, and consent. The format will be a combination of student participation and a mini-lecture. Knowledge of philosophy is not expected.
Course aim
to give students the opportunity to examine the moral issues arising from the use of DNA analysis in medical, criminal and commercial contexts, with the help of philosophical ideas.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- explain at least one moral issue in relation to DNA analysis
- define privacy, self-ownership and consent
- explain the rule of law
- draw conclusions, and give reasons for them, regarding at least one moral issue, using at least one of the concepts covered (privacy, self-ownership, consent, and the rule of law
What else do I need to know?
This is an online course. You will need an email address, reliable Internet access, and a CANVAS account. Help with CANVAS is available from the national WEA team.
View full course information sheet
Who should have the right to use DNA Samples and for what Purpose?
