Scientific Advances in a Changing World

Spring Semester, 2014

M,W,F 9:00-9:50

As an undergraduate institution, La Salle is committed to a liberal arts education which assists students in liberating themselves from narrow interests, prejudices, and perspectives, and in learning to observe reality with precision, to judge events and opinions critically and independently, to think logically, to communicate effectively, and to sharpen aesthetic perception. Students are encouraged to seek wisdom; that is, to grasp those basic principles which can give order to particular facts.

From La Salle University Mission Statement

Instructor:

William A. Price, Ph.D.
Holroyd 345
(215) 951-1261
price@lasalle.edu

This is a course where we will attempt to create an interactive atmosphere for the discussion and evaluation of a number of scientific issues that seem to be challenging some of our basic human values. Some of these issues even challenge us to redefine disease, health and what it means to be human. We will get past the sensational headlines and carefully evaluate a number of modern scientific issues. Many of these issues did not even exist a few years ago and thus we may find ourselves at the front lines of a controversy.

Required Books:
Gazzaniga, Michael S., The Ethical Brain, Dana Press, New York and Washington, D.C., 2005. (ISBN: 9781932594010) Gazzaniga is the Director of the Center for Cognative Neuroscience at Dartmouth University. In this book he describes a relatively new area of bioethics known as neuroethics. Questions that are asked include "When should we call an embryo or fetus one of us"? What is normal brain aging and should we aspire to live longer regardless of our brain state"? "Should we be free to make a better brain through genetics or pharmacology"? Is there a universal ethic wired in our brain (hence the title)?

Silver, Lee M., Challenging Nature: The Clash Between Biotechnology and Spirituality, HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2006. (ISBN: 9780060582678, hard back) Silver is a molecular biologist from Princeton University who addresses the inevitable and ongoing clash between the spiritual and scientific worlds as we progress technologically. He addresses stem cell research, xenotransplantation, genetically modified crops and other potential controversial topics. An agnostic, he imparts ideas that are bold, challenging and valuable.

Davis, Dena S., Genetic Dilemmas: Reproductive Technology, Parental Choices, and Children's Futures, 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press, Boston, 2010. (ISBN: 9780195374384). This book takes a comprehensive look at the weaving of modern genetic technologies and reproductive choices. The ethical issues and a child's right to an open future are persistent themes.

Other Books that may be used:

Offit, Paul A., Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All, Basic Books, New York, NY, 2011. (ISBN: 9780465021499) An infectious disease expert at the University of Pennsylvania, Offit describes how scientific ignorance can can cost lives.

Peterson, James C., Genetic Turning Points: The Ethics of Human Genetic Intervention, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 2001. (ISBN: 0-8028-4920-2) Peterson writes one of the most comprehensive accounts and analyses of the ethical issues that confront humans in the area of genetic intervention. He works through a systematic approach with increasing levels of intervention: searching for genes, testing for genes, adding genes and changing genes. Where do we draw the line in our desire to minimize suffering? Should humans seek to improve themselves in these ways? Is it possible to be co-creators with God?

Pence, Gregory E., Classic Cases in Medical Ethics: Accounts of Cases that have Shaped Medical Ethical with Philosophical, Legal, and Historical Background, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill, Boston, 2009. (ISBN: 9780073535739) Pence is a professor of Philosophy at University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. His background in moral reasoning and ethical theory will give us a good foundation upon which to analyze certain case studies. This book takes a detailed look at major cases that shaped the field of medical ethics.

Course Objectives:
Although no formal science background is required, both a scientific curiosity and a desire to explore complex issues are extremely important. On occasion, scientific background information will be imparted so that issues can be fairly analyzed and with a significant level of intelligence. As a class we will develop an ethical decision-making framework with which to analyze a number of case studies.

Ideally, principles such as autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality, justice (to whom?), veracity, fidelity and nonmaleficence all operate in harmony. More often than not, they clash dramatically. We hope to develop an ability to work with issues that do not necessarily have a “right” answer. To do this, we will develop a (somewhat) systematic approach to working with the numerous scenarios that confront us daily. Class participation is absolutely essential in this course. It is also important to be able to work effectively in small groups and to listen and respect those with whom you disagree. Since this is a discussion-oriented class, it is also essential that you critically read all assigned materials prior to coming to class. If you have to miss a class for any reason, I should be notified by email before, during or immediately after the class with an explanation.

The Mammoth Commeth (with pictures!!) - NYT Magazine, 3/2/14, by Nathaniel Rich

Behind the Cover Story: Nathaniel Rich on the Truth About Corgis and Synthetic Biology - NYT, 3/3/14, interview with Nathaniel Rich

Morality, Ethics and Arguments - ppt

Distinguishing Science from Nonsense - Chronical of Higher Education, January 7, 2014 by Art Caplan

Careful when plotting data: correlation vs. causation

Ethics Questions Arise as Genetic Testing of Embryos Increases - NYTimes, Feb. 3, 2014 by Gina Kolata

The general public's understanding of scientific subjects is, to a significant extent, controlled by the media, politics and religion. With gross misinformation frequently getting into the pipeline, the piece that is often missing is the rational discourse from well-grounded scientists. When scientists do speak on a topic, there are often accusations (by the political establishment) that they have some sort of a hidden agenda. Additionally, the media can sensationalize topics in science with sound bites which burden people with undue anxiety (especially when it comes to “chemicals”). Although we all went to school and enrolled in chemistry and biology courses, rarely were the ethical and societal implications, the risks and benefits of any special topics discussed in tandem with the science.

Evaluation:
1) Weekly Writing Assignment and/or Political Cartoons (20%) - For every Friday, you are to write an assessment of a recent (within the last month) article from a newspaper, magazine or "e-zine" dealing with a scientific issue that presents an ethical dilemma. Your 1-2 page typed paper should begin with the title, author, source and date of publication of the article. You should give an overview of the situation, the ethical dilemma as you see it, and your analysis or assessment of the scenario with a well-formulated conclusion. An excellent source of articles is found at biothics.net where you can freely search a weekly list of links to articles (highly recommended). Occasionally, this assignment will be in response to a chapter from one of our books or a reading that is distributed. One or two times in the semester, you will be asked to either evaluate or draw a political cartoon that cleverly and effectively depicts an issue and shows an appreciable depth of knowledge. One or two students will be randomly selected to share their story or cartoon.

2) Class Participation: leading book discussions, debates, case studies (20%) - Occasionally, the class will be presented with a case study detailing a dilemma resulting from a technological breakthrough. Analyses of these studies will be evaluated either as oral presentations, debates, or papers. In a debate, you may be asked to defend a stance with which you do not necessarily agree. Everyone will, at some point in the semester, be a discussion leader on assigned readings (book chapter, article, etc.) Rubric for class participation

3) Research Paper (15%) - You will be asked to research and write an 8-10 page paper on a topic of your choice that is relevant to course objectives. An abstract detailing your topic with two bibliographic sources (not www) is due Wednesday, February 19. You may use the World Wide Web for ancillary sources. The paper is due Friday, February 28 .

4) Point-Counterpoint Oral Presentation (10%) - In pairs, you will research and organize a "lesson" on a controversial scientific issue. Both sides of the issue will be presented and the presentation will take one full lecture period. You should provide the class with any handouts one class ahead of the presentation and are encouraged to be as creative and as interactive as you decide. Use of Powerpoint is encouraged but the use of other materials is strongly recommended. I will interject in the lessons only if misinformation is being disseminated. A few of the topics that have been successfully presented in the past include: The Human Genome Project, synthetic biology, radioactivity, biological weapons, therapeutic cloning, Evolution vs. Intelligent Design, genetic screening in the workplace, xenotransplantation, ADD/ADHD and medication, and genetically modified foods. The students will meet with the instructor one week prior to their presentation. A rubric is forthcoming. The presentations will take place in early April.

5) Midterm (15%) - Distributed Wednesday, March 12.

6) Final Examination (15%)

7) Binder (5%) You will be receiving or downloading many readings in this course. All materials for this course will be neatly organized in a binder. The sections of the binder can be categorized as follows:
1) Weekly journal with copy of the first page of the article
2) Case studies with notes from group and class
3) Notes from class (non-case studies)
4) Research and notes and materials from your "lesson plans"
5) Handouts and assigned readings (put date readings were received)
6) Graded papers and assignments (both formal and informal)
The binder will be collected a couple of times throughout the semester so be sure to bring it to each class.

Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. "Students are responsible for the integrity of their academic work. In this regard:
Plagiarism is a serious violation. Plagiarism is defined as the presentation of the ideas of another as one's own. Any use of another's ideas without proper acknowledgement is plagiarism." from La Salle's statement on academic dishonesty and plagiarism

Topics that may be covered:

Ethical theories, basis of ethics, values and impact of culture and religion
Neuroethics
Synthetic Biology

A Life of Its Own The New Yorker, Sept. 28, 2009, by Michael Spector.

Is the Synthetic Cell About Life?The Scientist, 7/1/2010, by Gregory Kaebnick

Why Create Life in the Lab? CNN, May 25, 2010

Smart Drugs

Smart Drugs - a couple of slides

Brain Chemistry - a few more slides

Academics Say "Smart Drugs" Could be Prescribed The Guardian, May 11, 2010, by Denis Campbell

My Experience With Smart Drugs The Huffington Post, Jan. 11, 2009, by Johann Hari

The Hidden Costs of Smart Drugs Scienceblogs.com, May 20, 2008, by Jonah Lehrer

Are Smart Drugs the Answer to Bad Moods --- and a Bad Economy? Discover Magazine, April 2, 2009, by Sherry Baker

Vaccines

Growing Up Unvaccinated

Embryo and stem cell research; assessing moral status

Out of the Freezer, Into the Family Slate Magazine From Stem Cell Opponents, an Embryo Crusade NY Times

Still No Truce in the Stem Cell Wars Newsweek, February 11, 2010, by Sharon Begley

Debating Where Life Begins National Review, June 23, 2010, by Patrick Lee and Robert P. George

The Problem with Embryo Adoption: Why is the Government Giving Money to "Snowflakes" MSNBC, Art Caplan

Payment Offers to Egg Donors Prompt Scrutiny NY Times, May 10, 2010, by David Tuller

$50,000 Offered to Tall, Smart Egg Donors NY Times

Manufacuring organs

Ted Talk by Anthony Atala, M.D. 2011
Cloning technologies
Genetic testing and personal health: screening, Life Technologies, 23and Me, deCODE Genetics, patenting genes

F.D.A. Orders Genetic Testing Firm to Stop Selling DNA Analysis Service NY Times, November 26, 2013

The F.D.A. and the Home DNA Test Kit bioethics.net, 11/16/13

Over the Counter DNA Testing: Wave of the Future or Waste of Money? ABC News, May 11, 2010, by Courtney Hutchison

Exposing the Student Body: Stanford Joins U.C. Berkeley in Controversial Genetic Testing of Students Nature, July 6, 2010 by Ferris Jabr

Children of Alzheimer's Sufferers Want to know Their Risk CNN, July 20, 2010 by Elizabeth Landau.

Reproductive technologies and the impact on the child
AIDS: vaccines, clinical trials, allocation of funds, patents
End of life decisions

Death, Brain Death, and Life Support Bioethics.net blog Dec. 25, 2013 by Art Caplan

Pregnant, and Forced to Stay on Life Support NY Times, Jan. 7, 2014, by Manny Fernandez and Erik Eckholm

Let Marline Munoz Die Dallas News, Jan. 10, 2014, editorial by editorial staff

What Broke My Father's Heart NY Times, June 14, 2010, by Katy Butler

Who Should Decide When Care is Futile? Philadelphia Inquirer, Aug. 19, 2010, by Art Caplan

Letting go: What should medicine do when it can't save your life? New Yorker, Aug. 2, 2010, by Atul Gawande / pod cast discussion

Human Genome Project

On a Mission to Sequence the Genomes of 100,000 People NY Times, June 7, 2010, by David Ewing Duncan

Therapy versus enhancement

Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and Pursuit of Improvement Leon Kass, M.D., Chair, President's Council on Bioethics

Genetic Enhancements: Current and Future Prospects Francis Collins, Director, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI),
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Collins talks about embryo selection and germline intervention (transcript of talk).

Visit bioethics.net to find curent news stories in the bioethics arena

Videos:

Personal DNA Testing, NOVA scienceNOW 7/2/08, Epigenetics NOVA scienceNOW 7/24/07 , Mind Reading - 60 Minutes 6/28/2009, Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial Nova

Selected papers from Hon 365 students:

The Ethics of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study Laura Grande

Intelligent Design in the Classroom Madeline Wedge

Global Warming and the United States: Was Truth ever Convenient? Douglas Phelan

Angels or Demons? Dr. Kevorkian and Physician-Assisted Suicide Sarah Branson

Articles:

The 3 Papers that Define Biotechnology The Atlantic, July 7, 2010

Family's Wish, Doctor's Dilemma The Boston Globe, July 15, 2010 by Stephen Smith

Strained by Katrina, a Hospital Faced Deadly Choices New York Times Magazine, August 30, 2009

HIV-AIDS in Africa a short series of ppt slides on HIV statistics in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ethics: Terms and Definitions Reid Cushman, University of Miami, reproduced with permission

Glossary of stem cell terms from National Institutes of Health

Declaration of Helsinki

Case Studies: Heroism or harm? / Unintended paternity finding / Whose gene is it? / Amniocentesis for a predisposition

Taking the Fiction out of Science Fiction an Explorer Cafe from 10/14/09

Dr. P's Cartoon Gallery / Bioethics.net sign up for free weekly e-updates here