Looking for W credit? Philosophy has that covered this summer!

What can we know?  Is the mind immaterial?  Does God exist?  Can we be certain of anything?  What do you think?

 

 Should we fear death? Do we have free will? What role does work play in our lives? What makes science different from non-science? These are just a few questions we will ask in this course as we explore four different topics: death, freedom, work, and science, each of which is relevant to our everyday lives.

 

Every day, we observe, read about, and find ourselves involved in moral conflicts. How do we interact with people who, to us, have completely inacceptable views about right and wrong? Does free speech mean that we can say and post everything? If not, where are its limits? What obligations do we have to ourselves, and what kind of obligations do we have to others? Where do they come from? Do all our actions have to be justified? If so, to whom? Why are there women’s rights, but no men’s rights? Is there such a thing as goodness and badness when it comes to interacting with others? Do we have responsibilities towards nonhuman beings?

 

 Scientists and philosophers claim that science provides us with our best methods for gaining knowledge about the world. Often we hear sayings like ‘Trust the Science!’ But what exactly is science? By which methods do we discern science from other subjects such as religion or art? To what extent is science objective– if at all? In this course, we will approach these and other questions from a philosophical perspective by studying scientific practice throughout history and discussing the many philosophical issues that arise along the way. This introductory survey of the philosophy of science will introduce philosophical concepts embedded in subjects such as physics and astronomy, chemistry, the earth sciences, evolutionary biology, and genetics from the Enlightenment through the 20th century. Specific topics will include: the relation of science with religion, race, gender, and ideologies; the relation of science with technology and society; and the nature of scientific knowledge.

 

 

Examines the psychology of persuasion through an ethical lens. Answers questions such as: When is persuasion effective? When is it respectful versus immoral? Is using psychological insight manipulative or just good people skills? How do biases shape persuasion, and how should we navigate them? Assessments focus on real-world applications, helping students improve as persuaders.

 

Introduction to ethics, primarily for first- and second-year students. Emphasizes philosophical thinking and writing through an in-depth study of philosophical issues arising in the practice of medicine. Examines the issues of medical ethics from a patient's point of view.

 

The course focuses on ethical problems which medical professionals face in clinical practice, as well as ethical challenges that emerge from the broader environment of that practice: patient relationships, healthcare institutions, and relevant healthcare policies.

 

 

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