ONLINE: In this interactive online discussion course, we will explore famous philosophical thought experiments and their practical applications. Students will see how even the most unrealistic thought experiments can help us analyze very real issues of policy and ethics. For example, how does the trolley problem relate to the question of whether self-driving cars should be programmed to protect the passengers inside the car or the pedestrians outside the car if the brakes fail? What does John Rawls’ “veil of ignorance” thought experiment teach us about how to set up a just society? How have philosophers used thought experiments to explore whether people in the developed world are doing enough to help those in the developing world? Participants will receive a resource booklet of texts that we will study during our sessions. Come join the conversation! | Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 24.
