Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Conduct critical reflection on knowledge production processes
  • Demonstrate their understanding of basic elements of philosophy of science, epistemology, and ethics
  • Use these elements to analyze situations of knowledge production and/or use related to biomedicine

Goals

The aim is to introduce students to philosophical reflection prompted by questions arising from the field of biomedicine.

This teaching unit provides an opportunity to introduce students to basic elements of the philosophy of science, epistemology, and moral and political philosophy, enabling them to reflect on the theoretical and practical frameworks of contemporary medicine.

Content

We will first explore the scientific approach, its strengths and weaknesses, and its evolution throughout history.

We will then address a series of questions relating to knowledge (epistemology) and action (ethics) in the field of biomedicine.

Along the way, the contours of philosophy will emerge, as well as its relevance for addressing major issues of our time concerning humans and their relationship to the environment.

Our reflection will also focus on the relationships between doctors and patients.

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is a science? Notions of epistemology
  3. What is philosophy?
  4. What is biomedicine?
  5. Ethics of biomedicine
  6. Medicine and the environment
  7. Humans at the center of the medical relationship

Exercices

Based on reading texts, the philosophy seminar will introduce the reflective and critical approach to themes relating to contemporary medicine.

Teaching methods

Group sessions (all students together) will be devoted to more theoretical presentations and discussions based on illustrations and case studies. Interaction will take place primarily via the Wooclap interface.


In addition, small group seminar sessions will be supervised by an assistant: they will provide an opportunity to explore certain themes in greater depth, exercise critical thinking, and lead discussions and debates.

Assessment method

The material taught during the group sessions will be assessed through a written exam (MCQ). To prepare for this exam, formative assessments will be offered on Webcampus in the form of quizzes.


For the seminar (small group sessions), a written certification assessment will also be organized.


The final grade will be a combination of the grade obtained on the main exam (4/5 of the final grade) and the grade obtained on the seminar assessment (1/5 of the final grade).

Sources, references and any support material

All essential supports are accessible on the Webcampus platform.

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Medicine Standard 0 2
Bachelor in Medicine Standard 2 2