Course Listings

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What is the nature of reality? What kind of life ought one live? What are the limits of reason and human freedom? What is our relationship to God and to the state? In this course students study readings from the major figures of the Western philosophical tradition, from Socrates to the modern day, in order to examine these issues. In addition to gaining familiarity with the great thinkers of this tradition, students can expect both formal and informal practice in formulating their own arguments, and in critically analyzing their own and others' arguments.

Analysis of such controversial issues as the death penalty, abortion, euthanasia, sexual morality, economic justice and welfare, pornography and censorship, discrimination and preferen­tial treatment, the environment, and world hunger.

This course is an introduction to philosophical reflection on race, racial identity and racism. Students investigate such topics as: the meaning of the term "race;" the history of race-thinking; the question of race's existence; the value of affirming a racial identity; the issue of what counts as racism; and the problem of redressing past racism.

Ethical analysis of a variety of issues such as humanity's relationship to the environment, its understanding of and responsibility to nature, and its obligation to future generations. Specific issues such as pollution and population control, food production and distribution, species diversity, and the preservation of the wilderness are addressed.

An exploration of a variety of issues that have risen in medical practice and biological research and development, including questions about physician-assisted suicide, new reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, animal experimentation, the definition of death, the allocation of resources, and medical research in developing countries. We explore the conceptually and technologically complex environment in which contemporary medicine is practiced and biological research is conducted, and we frame the philosophical and ethical issues involved. A wide variety of readings are considered, as well as relevant concrete cases that illustrate the dilemmas encountered. The course introduces students interested in the health professions to ethical problems they are likely to encounter.

This course will examine timeless questions such as: What is good, and what is evil? What is the purpose of morality? Why should we be moral? In view of the certainty of death, does life have meaning? What do the concepts of "freedom," "autonomy," and "self-respect" signify, and why are they so important to us. As a basis for exploration, this course uses classic and contemporary texts from both philosophy and literature, ranging from Plato to John Stuart Mill to Bertrand Russell. Literature readings include selections from such authors as Dostoevsky, Albert Camus, and Kurt Vonnegut. Class meetings will feature student discussion and presentations by the instructor and by literature professor Leslie Fischer.