The final assignment for our course will provide an opportunity for you to explore a bioethical issue related to aging and/or disability through a global lens.
In the paper, the ethical question and main argument discussion should be included in the opening paragraph. Students provide any background info and context necessary and should identify relevant stakeholders and their competing interests. Students should present a case study that reflects their bioethical question. Students should discuss the bioethical principles that are relevant to the topic, with careful consideration of whether these bioethical principles apply within the selected culture. (For example, if examining an ethical issue in a collectivist culture, students may discuss how the Western concept of autonomy is not applicable and how a different bioethical principle such as relational autonomy, collectivism, or solidarity should be used.)
Students also need to present dissenting viewpoints on the topic and provide counter-arguments persuading the reader why these viewpoints are less valid. (For example, perhaps the dissenting viewpoint is not culturally aware or is biased toward Western medical beliefs.) In exploring these dissenting viewpoints, it might be worthwhile to contemplate how the ethical response to this situation might differ depending on whose perspective is being considered (for example, the healthcare provider, the patient, the family member, the local community, etc.).
Throughout their presentation or paper, students will need to cite authoritative sources to help support their argument. Thus, this presentation or paper will require outside research (a minimum of 3 authoritative references) and must include a References or Works Cited section in APA or MLA format, along with proper APA or MLA in-text documentation for any resources used.