Program Overview

ETH402 Vulnerability and the Ethics of Intervention

Subject Description

Using a problem-based focus, this subject explores the relationship between current social welfare practice and policy, ethical theory and ethical principles, and the issue of intervention in the lives of vulnerable adults and children. Issues of legal capacity, autonomy, paternalism, coercion, and privacy are considered. The subject also examines the ethics of care and concomitant legal duties to care, including good samaritanism.

Subject Outlines

Subject Outlines for recent sessions are available for current CSU students.

Availability

Session Details

• Session 2 (60)
• Online
• Wagga Wagga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful Completion

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the dominant ethical theories that form the basis of human service practice, and the processes of ethical reasoning and ethical judgment
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and policy affecting vulnerable adults and children and the ethical principles of autonomy and beneficence
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethics of intervention, issues of acceptable paternalism and coercion, and the rights of individuals, groups, and communities to be left alone
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethics of care, the duty to care, and the concept of good samaritanism

Syllabus

Topics Covered

1. Ethical Principles of Autonomy and Beneficence
2. Paternalism and Coercion; Justice and Rights
3. "Am I my parents' or neighbour's keeper?" Obligation, responsibility, and the Duty to Care
4. Good Samaritanism
5. Parens Patriae, the State, and vulnerable populations
6. Capacity and the limits of acceptable paternalism
7. Privacy and the right to be left alone