Module Overview:
The term "bioethics" was invented by the medical research scientist Van Rensselaer Potter in 1970. He coined this term to inaugurate "a new discipline that combines biological knowledge with a knowledge of human value systems."
The term BioEthics has traditionally referred to the study of moral issues in the field of medical treatment and research. We will take the more general view describing ethical issues in the life sciences. The discoveries made by science and the application of those discoveries through technology has illuminated an important, yet often ignored, aspect of the scientific enterprise. Only in recent years have we begun to discus the ethics or morality of what is or is not being done in the areas of science and technology. Each day scientists, medical personnel, government officials and the general public are debating and deciding what types of scientific and technological developments should be undertaken.
Often these decisions are based on single factors such as economics. Often there is a desire to produce materials and products or carry out particular lines of research which will benefit the state or national interests alone. Because we live in a GLOBAL community the actions taken by one group or country often have effects far beyond the local borders.
Background information in biology or the general area of science will be provided followed by a look at the applications and implications of this information to society.
