End of Life

(4 Credits)

Central to philosophical discussions about the end of life is a well-known argument about the rationality of fearing death. That argument raises several puzzles about our asymmetrical attitudes concerning time, and about the badness of death. In addition to the value of death, this course will address related topics from among the following: definitions of death; personal identity; dementia and moral status; the meaning of life; the coherence and desirability of immortality; assisted death, advance directives, and end-of-life care; whether one can be harmed by being born. The general aim of the course is to strengthen your skills in analytical thinking and in substantive philosophical debate of these issues.