Bringing Science Fiction into teaching of Bioethics

This article questions science fiction might be considered as a pedagogical tool for teaching bioethics in higher education. One can stress that science fiction narratives can stimulate critical thinking and provide a lens for understanding complex ethical dilemmas. It can be highlighted that science fiction has the ability to illustrate abstract bioethical concepts, provoke in-depth debates about scientific and ethical implications, and support students to develop judgment and practical reasoning skills. Potential methodological pitfalls are addressed, such as oversimplification, scientific inaccuracies, and cultural biases. A structured approach is proposed for selecting and integrating science fiction works into teaching, emphasizing the importance of scientific accuracy, thematic relevance, and educational value. A practical pedagogical framework for using science fiction in bioethics courses, including a proposed course design for bachelor-level students that encourages active learning and critical analysis, is presented and discussed.