Recently Offered Courses
Genocide, Mass Atrocity and Transitional Justice
War poses problems for theories of justice developed and debated chiefly in times of peace. The wars of the last century pose distinct problems, and demand distinct normative and institutional responses. In this course we will draw on a range of legal, historical, and philosophical sources and materials to understand and address these urgent issues.
What rights do we enjoy over our bodies and our health, and how do age, illness, and other factors affect them? Who, other than ourselves, ought to have a say in the medicines we take and the procedures we undergo? How can health care professionals exercise their expertise while preserving patients’ autonomy? These are some of the questions we will consider in this upper-level philosophy course.
Introduction to Philosophy
What is philosophy, and what is it good for? This course addresses these questions by asking students to read key philosophical texts and reflect on the nature of philosophical questions, philosophical arguments, philosophical dialogues, and philosophical provocations.
Philosophy of Human Rights
Modern human rights movements reflect a long history of philosophical thinking about rights and duties, justice and humanity. This course offers an overview of this intellectual terrain, while introducing major topics in current philosophical work on human rights.
Theories of Moral Progress
Is moral progress possible? Can we tell when it occurs? Are we blameworthy when we oppose it or fail actively to support it? Does the concept of moral progress itself rest on a mistake? These are the questions that orient this upper-level philosophy seminar. Specific topics covered include moral ignorance, weakness of will, moral enhancement, and moral expertise.