The situation and treatment of individuals suffering mental illness or disorder raises numerous ethical questions, some of which lie at the heart of moral philosophy. This course has two parts. The first part examines philosophical accounts of the nature and value of agency and identity, autonomy, free-will and responsibility, and considers how the attributes and capacities that shape our moral identities may be affected in individuals with a mental illness. The second part considers a range of practical ethical issues concerning treatment, service provision, and the role of professionals within the mental health system, including resource allocation, de-institutionalization, involuntary treatment, informed consent, patients? rights and family/carer rights, the treatment of the mentally ill in the criminal justice system, and the debate over competing treatment models and how patients are viewed within them.

6,000 word essay(80%) and class presentation (20%).

Enrolment in the MA(PAE) or with the permission of the coordinator.