Play around in the Logic and Critical Thinking section of the Resources page.
Thu Feb 15
The Survival Lottery
Harris’s modest proposal.
Harris, John (1975). “The Survival Lottery.” Philosophy 50(191): 81-87. (UD Library)
Tue Feb 20 9:20 am
Abstract of ‘The Survival Lottery’ (previous class’s reading)
In-class group project.
Word limit: 150 words – strictly enforced
Details on ‘Assessment’ page.
Thu Feb 22
A Duty to Die?
A Duty to Die?
John Hardwig, ‘Is There a Duty to Die?’ (UD Library)
Tue Feb 27 9:20 am
Bad Argument Assignment
In-class group project.
Details on ‘Assessment’ page.
Thu Feb 29
The Limits of Autonomy
Ronald Dworkin on precedent autonomy.
Ronald Dworkin, ‘Life Past Reason.’ (Canvas@UD)
Tue Mar 5
Euthanasia 1
Active & Passive Euthanasia
James Rachels (1975). “Active and Passive Euthanasia.” New England Journal of Medicine 292: 78-80. (UD Library)
The AMA has updated its view since Rachels’ paper. Check out its current opinions on withholding or withdrawing treatment, assisted suicide, and (active) euthanasia. (On the web.)
Dobbs v. Jackson (2022). (SCOTUS). No need to read the whole thing, just the syllabus is ok.
Weds Mar 13 11:55 pm
Abstract of the Famous Violinist Argument from ‘A Defense of Abortion’ (tomorrow’s reading)
Read the whole paper, but abstract ONLY the Famous Violinist Argument (the core of which runs from p.48 to p.52.)
No late submissions accepted.
Individual submission required – though you are welcome to get each other’s feedback and editorial suggestions.
Word limit: 150 words – strictly enforced.
Details on ‘Assessment’ page.
Thu Mar 14
Abortion 2
The famous Famous Violinist.
Judith Jarvis Thomson (1971). ‘A Defense of Abortion.’ Philosophy & Public Affairs 1(1): 47-66. (UD Library.)
Tue Mar 19
Abortion 3
Futures like ours.
Don Marquis(1989). ‘Why Abortion is Immoral.’ The Journal of Philosophy 8(4): 183-202. (UD Library)
Thu Mar 21
Selection For Disability
Everworse Sequences.
Mark Greene & Steve Augello, ‘Everworse: What’s wrong with selecting for disability?’ (Canvas@UD.)
What shall we discuss on Apr 4?
Tue Apr 2
Paper Writing
The joys and perils of philosophical writing.
Thu Apr 4
Student Choice: Research Ethics & Research on Non-Human Animals
Have a glance at UD’s research integrity policy.
Optional: Freakonomics episode on academic fraud.
Tue Apr 9
US Healthcare
What’s Not to Like About Universal Healthcare?
Greene, Mark. “What’s Not to Like About Universal Healthcare?” (On the web.)
Thu Apr 11
Medical Error
Perverse Incentives
Stephen Dubner. Freakonomics Radio. Bad Medicine, Part 3: Death By Diagnosis. (Read the transcript or listen to the episode on the web.)
Tue Apr 16
Yay! Kidney Markets
Well, would you?
Walsh, Dylan (2023). “Would You Sell Your Extra Kidney?” Wired. (Canvas@UD.)
“The God Squad.” Playing God? (On the Web.)
Tue Apr 16 7 pm
Extra Credit Event Debating Death’s Badness: How Grim Is the Reaper?
Event Details
To claim your extra credit, attend the event and post a thought on the corresponding Canvas@UD discussion.
Thu Apr 18
Erm – About Those Kidney Markets…
Koplin on Organ Markets.
“Why Can’t I Buy a Kidney?” Playing God? (On the Web.)
Koplin, Julian J. (2018). “Beyond Fair Benefits: Reconsidering Exploitation Arguments Against Organ Markets.” Health Care Analysis 26(1): 33-47. (Via UD Library.)
Fri Apr 19 11:55 pm
Proposal
Word guidance: approx. 300 words.
Optional: you may work in groups of up to 3 on any or all stages of your final project.
Details on ‘Assessment’ page.
Tue Apr 23
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Thu Apr 25
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Fri Apr 26 – Sat Apr 27
Extra Credit Event Undergrad Philosophy Conference at UD
Event Details
To claim your extra credit, attend one or more of the talks (any topic) and post a thought on the corresponding Canvas@UD discussion.
Tue Apr 30
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Thu May 2
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Fri May 3 11:55 pm
Abstract & Paper: First Version
Submit abstract and editorial in one document.
Word guidance – 3000 words (approx) – plus 150 for abstract.
Details on ‘Assessment’ page.
Tue May 7
Mutual aid & comfort
This is the speed-dating version of your presentations. Come prepared (1) to give a focused overview of where you are in your / your group's project; and (A) to give thoughtful feedback on what others are working on. If you judge that it would be more productive to use the time to advance your project in some other way (e.g. if you are coauthoring and class is one of the few times you can all meet), feel free to do so. Just make sure you are not just procrastinating or dodging challenging feedback - it's best to get that early and often.
Thu May 9
Individual Discussion of Papers
No regular class!
Check Canvas@UD for your time.
Use the Office Hours Zoom room: See Canvas@UD.
Tue May 14
Individual Discussion of Papers
No regular class!
Check Canvas@UD for your time.
Use the Office Hours Zoom room: See Canvas@UD.
Thu May 16
Optional Discussion of Projects
Come along if you want to chat about your first version.
Use Office Hours Zoom room: See Canvas@UD.
Thu May 16 11:55 pm
Abstract & Paper: Final version
Submit abstract and editorial in one document.
Word guidance – 3000 words (approx) – plus 150 for abstract.