Time Schedule:
Ingra R. Schellenberg
PHIL 459
Seattle Campus
Familiarizes students with central issues in the philosophy of medicine. Focuses on the nature of medical knowledge, the connection between theory and observation, the meaning of medical concepts, and the relationship between theories and the world. Recommended: prior courses in philosophy, history of science, or history of medicine. Offered: jointly with B H 440.
Class description
This course will explore a range of philosophical issues in medicine, primarily but not exclusively concerned with metaphysics (e.g. definitions of disease) and epistemology (e.g. challenges in diagnosis). The course will be reading and writing intensive. Students are STRONGLY recommended to have taken at least 2 previous philosophy courses. Offered: jointly with BH 440. TEXT: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Fadiman; Better Than Well: American Medicine Meets the American Dream, Elliott Electronic Reading: Better than Well: American Medicine Meets the American Dream, Elliott.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
