Bioethics matters : should bioethics education be introduced In the Maltese curriculum?

Abstract

Bioethics education is being adopted in various countries as an integral part of the curriculum. Should bioethics be implemented in Maltese curricula, and if yes, how and at what educational level? On 19 October 2005, the 33rd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, which has been agreed upon by 191 Member States of UNESCO. After much deliberation and discussion, there has been a universal consensus on the importance of the introduction of bioethics education within each Member State, and consolidation of bioethics education where this is already in place. Bioethical principles are being seen as the basis of having virtuous citizens, and thus it is being suggested to strengthen and disseminate these principles at all levels, for practical reasons and to help people face important daily decisions with a conscientious background. Moral education has been prioritized for millennia, and educators worldwide have tried to instil in their students ethical perspectives as part of a holistic education. Modern scholars are reverting to the original meaning Potter gave to the term Global Bioethics, as it is argued that medical, social, and ecological issues are interconnected, as originally stated by Potter himself. Moreover, educational psychologists believe that a holistic and unified approach to education is more beneficial, and therefore we should combine our concerns and widen our focus to encompass environmental ethics, professional ethics, politics and economic issues. In this dissertation the author will argue that there is the need for the introduction of bioethics education in the Maltese curriculum through compulsory education as a cross-curricular theme to complement a holistic education scenario for the Maltese students.