Play around in the Logic and Critical Thinking section of the Resources page.
The Peanut Butter Argument.
Thu Feb 12
The Survival Lottery
Harris’s modest proposal.
Harris, John (1975). “The Survival Lottery.” Philosophy 50(191): 81-87. (UD Library)
Tue Feb 17 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 19
A Duty to Die?
A Duty to Die?
John Hardwig, ‘Is There a Duty to Die?’ (UD Library)
Tue Feb 24
The Limits of Autonomy (was Feb 26)
Ronald Dworkin on precedent autonomy.
Ronald Dworkin, ‘Life Past Reason.’ (Canvas@UD) (Only to end of ‘Autonomy’ section – top of p.229)
Thu Feb 26
Euthanasia 1 (was Mar 3)
Active & Passive Euthanasia
James Rachels (1975). “Active and Passive Euthanasia.” New England Journal of Medicine 292: 78-80. (Canvas@UD)
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.)
To claim your extra credit, attend the event then post a comment, thought, or question about it in the corresponding Canvas discussion thread – Before the thread closes the day after the talk!
Free food afterwards.
Event details.
Tue Mar 10
Abortion 1
The state of the abortion debate.
Dobbs v. Jackson (2022). (SCOTUS). No need to read the whole thing, just the syllabus is ok. (On the web.)
Weds Mar 11 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: 200 words – strictly enforced.
Details on ‘Assessment’ page.
Thu Mar 12
Abortion 2
The famous Famous Violinist.
Judith Jarvis Thomson (1971). ‘A Defense of Abortion.’ Philosophy & Public Affairs 1(1): 47-66. (UD Library.)
Fri Mar 13, 4:15 pm Gore 103
Extra Credit: Norton Lecture – Living with Artificial Agents
To claim your extra credit, attend the event then post a comment, thought, or question about it in the corresponding Canvas discussion thread – Before the thread closes the day after the talk!
Free food afterwards.
Event details.
Tue Mar 17
Abortion 3
Futures like ours.
Don Marquis(1989). ‘Why Abortion is Immoral.’ The Journal of Philosophy 8(4): 183-202. (UD Library)
Thu Mar 19
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 3?
Tue Mar 31
Paper Writing
The joys and perils of philosophical writing.
Thu Apr 2
Student Choice: TBA
TBA.
Tue Apr 7
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 9
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.)
Discuss the pros and cons of AI in clinical practice with ChatGPT (or similar).
Tue Apr 14
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.)
“Why Can’t I Buy a Kidney?” Playing God? (On the Web.)
Thu Apr 16
Enhancement
No reading but you can post a thought to the Canvas discussion for participation credit.
Fri Apr 17 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 21
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Thu Apr 23
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Tue Apr 28
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Thu Apr 30
Presentations
See Canvas@UD for schedule.
Fri May 1 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 5
Individual Discussion of Papers
No regular class!
Check Canvas@UD for your time.
Use the Office Hours Zoom room: See Canvas@UD.
Thu May 7
Individual Discussion of Papers
No regular class!
Check Canvas@UD for your time.
Use the Office Hours Zoom room: See Canvas@UD.
Tue May 12
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 14
Optional Discussion of Projects
Come along if you want a final chat before your final submission.
Use Office Hours Zoom room: See Canvas@UD.
Thu May 14 11:55 pm
Abstract & Paper: Final version
Submit abstract and editorial in one document.
Word guidance – 3000 words (approx) – plus 150 for abstract.