WELCOME TO PHIL 313
Fall 2023

Killing & Letting Die

We take a dim view of someone who would kill a child for a few thousand dollars, but barely notice that we let a child die with every few thousand dollars we spend on ourselves rather than donating to help combat malaria (GiveWell.org). Like the contract killer, we knowingly (and repeatedly) take the course of action that leaves us a few thousand better off at the cost of a child’s life. This class will join the debate between those defending the comforting, commonsense view that killing is generally much harder to justify than letting die, and those arguing that this is a terrible moral mistake. By taking this class, you will discover a range of arguments in ethical theory concerning the distinction between killing & letting die and the application of that distinction to cases both real (euthanasia, duties to aid) and imagined (the famous trolley problem and any number of hypothetical drowning children). You will develop your own ability to contribute to the conversation with clear and careful philosophical analysis and argumentation.

Mark Greene
Tue & Thu, 8 am to 9:20 am
Ewing Hall, 204
Library & internet resources, no text to purchase
More on Canvas@UD
Philosophy is a conversation. As such, being good at philosophy is being able to understand a difficult conversation and contribute something substantive to it. Like riding a bike, you can't get good at this by reading about it or watching other people do it: you have to have a go yourself. Therefore, the emphasis will be more on developing skills than on learning a body of knowledge:
  • By reading influential contributions to the conversation, we will get a sense for the range of views people have, and why they have them.
  • Through short written tasks, we will hone our ability to explain tricky ideas accurately, precisely, and clearly.
  • By engaging in class discussion, we will get into the habit of critically evaluating views - whether we agree with them or not - and develop and defend our own views on the issues being discussed.
  • By developing an original, final project, we will put all this together and practice making our own clear and substantive contribution to the conversation.
  • As a UD faculty member, I am required to notify the UD Title IX coordinator of any report of behavior that may constitute sexual misconduct under UD policy. This mandate applies…
    • To reports that I become aware of in class, in office hours, in advisement meetings, via email, or in any other mode or context.
    • Regardless of whether the report is made directly to me, arises in class or other discussion, or is overheard.
    • Even if the person reported to have experienced prohibited conduct does not want the Title IX coordinator to be notified.
  • More information and resources:
    • For more information on the University of Delaware’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, including information on confidential resources, see sites.udel.edu/sexualmisconduct.
    • UD provides 24 hour crisis assistance and victim advocacy and counseling. Contact 302 831-2226, Student Health Services, to get in touch with a sexual offense support advocate.

Contact me

Email @udel.edu:
mkgreene
Winter 2025 office hours by appointment on Zoom.
Office:
15 Kent Way #107.
There are stairs, so let me know if you need to meet in an accessible location.

Don’t suffer in silence – come and talk to me!

If my regular office hours don’t work for you, just send me an email and we’ll work something out.