For Medics
This page contains resources for medical students and doctors interested in philosophy. See below for information about philosophy in the medical curriculum at King’s College, philosophy-related intercalation opportunities, and philosophy resources specific to different medical specialties.
Philosophy in the Medical Curriculum
The King’s medical school has strong links with the philosophy department. See below for how philosophy is integrated into the medical curriculum at King’s College.
1st year:
An obligatory philosophy module consisting of 5 lectures, 5 seminars and an essay assignment. Topics include concepts of health and disease, the nature of causation, the epistemology of evidence based medicine and more.
2nd year:
Option to choose a philosophy Student Selected Component, consisting of 9 seminars exploring topics such as the philosophy of psychiatry and the philosophy of pregnancy, and is assessed with an essay assignment.
4th and 5th year:
Topical philosophy seminars integrated into each Theme Week. Topics in the past have included capacity and self determination in psychiatry, the relationship between mental disorders and somatic disorders and bias in medicine.
Intercalation opportunities
This section contains philosophy-related iBSc’s and Master’s programmes around the country. Note that many other Master’s programmes also accept applications from intercalating medical students. You can find more information about Master’s programmes at King’s here.
BSc in Humanities, Philosophy and Law
Imperial College London
“The intercalated BSc in Medical Sciences with Humanities, Philosophy and Law is a unique course that integrates approaches from medical science, ethics, law, philosophy, history and the arts. This BSc provides an intellectually stimulating and inventive learning opportunity for students who care about core values of medicine in the changing landscape of healthcare provision. The cultural contexts of medical science will be a key theme throughout the course.”
BSc in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine
University College London
“This iBSc, offered by the Department of Science and Technology Studies, provides the opportunity to explore the wider origins and evolution of science, technology, and medicine. The programme also offers opportunities to explore fundamental questions about science, its methods, and its understanding of the world around us.”
BA in Medical Humanities
University of Bristol
“This course, run jointly with the Department of English, is a one-year course focusing on the contribution of humanities to the accomplished practice of medicine and medical research.
Our aim is to produce better doctors: emotionally and cognitively intelligent, culturally aware and philosophically inquiring.”
BSc in Bioethics
University of Bristol
“The course aims to acquaint students with major trends and theories in bioethics, exploring ethical and legal issues arising out of the life sciences. The course will not only ground you in the relevant terminology and concepts, it will also enhance your abilities in thinking through the issues for yourself. The course involves the acquisition and use of skills in bioethical, philosophical and legal research and argumentation.”
MSc in Mental Health, Ethics and Law
King’s College London
“Our Mental Health, Ethics and Law MSc course is delivered by two internationally recognised centres of excellence and provides an integrated, strongly interdisciplinary, education in mental health, ethics and law. It equips graduates to become leaders in healthcare, mental health law or policy.
You will have the unique opportunity to study alongside others from a wide range of academic and professional disciplines at the heart of London’s legal and psychiatric world.”
MSc in Global Health, Ethics and Law
St George’s University
“The Global Health, Ethics and Law MSc will enable you to consider global health from a normative perspective. You will learn about the emergence of global health law and the relevance of national, regional and international law to healthcare. There will also be a strong focus on the application of moral and political philosophy to global health issues. In particular, close attention will be paid to theories of cosmopolitanism, distributive justice and human rights.”
MSc in Healthcare Ethics and Law
University of Manchester
“This course compliments your medical degree, giving you the opportunity to study the in-depth moral and legal issues that you will face as a medic or researcher.
While identifying the ethical and legally problematic aspects of practice, you will learn to formulate ethically acceptable solutions in challenging circumstances.
On completion of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of medical ethics and law, and will have developed a full conceptual toolkit that has been informed by both disciplines.”
BA in Biomedical and Healthcare Ethics
University of Leeds
“You'll explore the complex ethical dilemmas arising from working in medicine and healthcare, and gain the skills you need to respond quickly and effectively.
You'll study a range of issues including consent, responsibility, abortion, euthanasia, patient rights, and genetic enhancement. You'll also learn alongside non-intercalation students including professionals in a range of fields, allowing you to benefit from their insights and experiences.”
MA in Biomedical and Healthcare Ethics
University of Leeds
You’ll gain a critical understanding of issues such as trust, confidentiality, autonomy and consent, and demonstrate the contemporary relevance of your findings by applying them to real-life case studies.
Throughout, you’ll benefit from teaching informed by consultation with healthcare professionals and shaped by the latest social, technological, and political developments. You’ll learn from experts who are experienced and actively engaged in research in this field.”
MA in Medical Ethics and Law
University of Keele
“Advances in biomedical technology, changing moral attitudes, and developments in law, combine to generate difficult ethical, legal, policy challenges for those involved in the delivery of healthcare. This programme will provide an opportunity for you to gain a deeper and more systematic understanding of these issues and to explore the moral problems faced by healthcare practitioners as well as those involved in healthcare management and policy.”
MA in Medical Ethics and Palliative Care
University of Keele
“Advances in medical technology, increased expectations, and changing moral attitudes combine to generate complex ethical and legal problems for those involved in the delivery of healthcare. Practitioners who treat and care for patients with life-limiting illnesses can face particularly pressing and difficult moral choices. This programme provides an opportunity to gain a deeper and more systematic understanding of these issues and to explore the moral problems faced people involved in all aspects of end of life care.”
By Medical Speciality
Philosophy intersects with traditional medical specialities in many interesting and surprising ways. Check out the videos, podcasts and accessible articles we’ve collated below. You can find many more videos in our video archive.
Women’s health
Lectures:
‘The Metaphysics of Pregnancy’ by Elselijn Kingma
‘A Plurality During Pregnancy?’ by Jonathan Grose
‘Psychological Aspects of Breast Self-Examination’ by Paul Norman
‘Sex, Drugs, and How to Deal with Criticism: The Case of Flibanserin’ by Anke Bueter
Articles:
‘The Philosophy of Early Motherhood: Interview with Fiona Woollard’ in the Imperfect Cognitions blog
Podcasts:
Oncology
Lectures:
‘Is It Possible to Communicate Cancer Risk Accurately’ by Stephen John
Video:
Articles: