WELCOME TO PHIL 313
UNDER CONSTRUCTION for Fall 2025

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
Gore 222
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.

Also of Interest

  • The Cross-Institutional Undergraduate Sponsorship Program (CUSP) in Bioethics sponsors a year of bioethics mentorship and other support for promising undergrads.
    • It includes financial support to attend the annual conference of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities – the main U.S. bioethics conference – in Fall semester (locations vary).
    • Attending a professional conference is a great experience – especially if someone else is paying!
    • If, for any reason, CUSP funding does not cover your reasonable travel expenses, please let me (Mark Greene – mkgreene@udel.edu) know and we’ll throw in some UD funding to cover the difference.
  • The Program runs every year and starts accepting applications over the summer for the upcoming academic year. So, keep it in mind if you might be interested.
  • The online application is straightforward. Undergrads in any major can apply via the Program webpage: https://ethics.emory.edu/mabioethics/students/asbh-student-sponsorship.html
    • Feel free to use me – Mark Greene, mkgreene@udel.edu – as the faculty contact for your application.

Contact me

Email @udel.edu:
mkgreene
Spring 2026 office hours: Tue & Thu 7:15 to 7:45 am, Tue 1pm to 2pm – appointment recommended. Appointment only: Feb 19, May 1-14.
Office:
15 Kent Way #107.
There are stairs, so let me know if you need to meet in an accessible location.
If I seem not to be in, try 24 Kent Way – or I may already be with a student.

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

I enjoy meeting students so do not feel it is an imposition.

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