Welcome to Bioethics.
I'm Dr. Oliver, I've been at MTSU for decades now teaching this course and others on Atheism, Environmental Ethics, Enlightenment, Evolution, Happiness, Rationality,...
My twitter profile identifies me as a peripatetic, a dog person, a baseball fan, and an author. I'm also a dad and a meliorist, among other things. I'll elaborate when we meet.
My initial questions for you: who are you, and why are you here? What's your current understanding of what philosophy is, what bioetics is, and what they might have to do with each other? Do you have a favorite philosopher? A favorite life-scientist? What philosophical/ethical reflections on the pandemic come to mind?
Click on "comments" below and introduce yourself. See you soon.
Dr. Oliver
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Hello everyone!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Patricia Hummel. I am a senior Economics Major, minoring in Risk Management, Philosophy, and University Honors.
I am here because I find solace in Philosophy as I find it explains all else to a certain degree. It is after all the beginning of many important fields we rely on today, including my own Economics and the timely Bio-Ethics we will discuss in the course as we tackle humanity, or rather the lack of humanity, that is being shown in abundance during this continuing pandemic.
I have no preferred Philosopher or Scientist as I see them as building blocks to an ever-evolving mind, as hippie as that may sound, and so I respect them equal and enjoy hearing their arguments.
I see the current pandemic as a tug-of-war between those who practice different forms of humanism. Ask me more if you'd like, I'd love to dive into this thought.
I look forward to this class as I wrap up my undergraduate experience and hopefully gain new perspective.
My name is Gary Wedgewood. I am a retired United Methodist elder and pastor. I continue to pastor a church part-time in Wilson County where I live in Mount Juliet. My wife, who is a retired public-school teacher, and I are both auditing a class at MTSU this semester. We are both dedicated lifelong learners. In college I majored in Philosophy and Religion, Religious Studies, and minored in Theater. I have a M.Div. (Divinity), M.A.C.E. (Christian Education), and completed course work for a Master is Counseling Psychology. I have worked as a campus minister at Ohio Wesleyan University and as the director of a Wesley Foundation at Northeastern Oklahoma State University. I did youth ministry for a number of years. I have spent the rest of my 45 years in ministry as a pastor of local churches. I see Philosophy as a way of thinking about how we think and how we choose to live as well as it being a source of wisdom from past thinkers/philosophers and our ancestors. We all have a philosophy which undergirds how we live our lives in the same way that theology undergirds how I have lived out my calling to be a minister. Similarly, Bioethics undergirds how we make decisions about how to live and what we believe. With recent advances in genetics, many new and challenging questions have been raised in the field of Bioethics related to modifying genes and even what constitutes a living being. As to a favorite philosopher, I have always taken an eclectic approach to the study of philosophy and find useful ways of thinking about life in the works of a wide variety of philosophers. As to a favorite life scientist, of late it would be those scientists and doctors who have been reliable sources of useful information about the Covid-19 pandemic. Coaching people through this pandemic has proven to be very similar to raising a family. Each family member is unique, there is only so much you can tell/teach another family member, and in the end, you may have to just stand back and let each one navigates in their own unique way through the pandemic, learning as they go and adjusting their thinking as they experience the natural consequences of their choices.
ReplyDeleteThanks for leading off, Patricia and Gary. Great to have you back!
ReplyDeleteHello! My name is Claire Ritter and I'm a junior this semester. I understand philosophy as a way to examine what is good and right, and how we should live our life on Earth. Under that umbrella, I think bioethics is a way to examine decisions made for (or by) individuals with some ailment, be it physical or emotional.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favorite philosopher or life scientist, but I'm hoping that I can find one this semester.
The pandemic's perseverance is nothing less than heartbreaking. I think philosophers, sociologists, and ethicists could study the decisions and choices made by any faction of our population for years and never run out of questions about our actions. I feel sorry most for people with loved ones at a higher risk of contracting the virus, but I also feel sorry for those that are not considering those around them. I think it's sad that our population has not learned to care for their neighbors who are strangers. I hope that I can understand this more in studying bioethics.
My favorite philosopher, you'll all discover soon enough, is William James. My favorite scientist lately is Dr. Fauci. He was also named the American Humanist Association's Humanist of the Year.
DeleteI agree, American hyper-individualism has led too many to disregard their obligation to care for the public health.
Hello! I'm Matthew Thomas, a junior double-majoring in biology (focused on zoology/ecology) and philosophy, with a minor in chemistry (focused on organic/biochem). I've worked in, and plan on pursuing a career with, the Tennessee state parks post-graduation.
ReplyDeleteI view philosophy etymologically, as a love of wisdom. Through the desire for, pursuit of, and celebration of wisdom and it's propagation, each individual is empowered, consequently empowering society broadly. I would consider bioethics to be the pursuit of what is "good" or morally and ethically commendable within the fields of medicine, epidemiology, and biotechnology. While I'm not primarily focused on fields of genetics, crisis control, or medical care in my studies or career plans, knowledge regarding social and political reactions to these fields, as well as cursory knowledge of them, is something I value, if for no reason than to understand and disenchant instances of science denial, pseudoscience, and violence found startlingly frequently in our times.
As for favorite philosophers, I'd have to pick Emil Cioran, Ernst Mayr, and Jean-Paul Sartre.
I look forward to the class and hope everyone had a great break between semesters!
Combating science denial in America is a worthy but daunting undertaking.
DeleteWhat an interesting trio of faves!
Hi everyone! My name is Maria Hite, and I’m a third-year student studying science and psychology. As an aspiring physician, I’m very interested in learning more about bioethics. From new technologies to a global pandemic, it seems like we need more of the general public, scientists, and medical professionals well versed in ethics.
ReplyDeleteFor me, philosophy is a way to consider things that cannot be analyzed through empirical means. Beyond that, studying philosophy forces you to question your assumptions about the world. It makes you rethink the meaning of truth, knowledge, and morality. Bioethics, on the surface, seems to be about figuring out what is right and wrong during ethical dilemmas in biological/medical contexts. In many cases, there is so much complexity that I don’t think there would ever be a simple right or wrong answer. I think philosophy help us navigate these complexities and ask the right questions. Currently, I don’t have a favorite philosopher or scientist. I’m excited to see which ones we may discuss this semester though!
The pandemic has certainly brought up many philosophical and ethical questions. For example, many wealthier nations seem to be stockpiling COVID-19 vaccines while lower-income countries struggle to receive any. There have been initiatives to get more vaccines to these countries. Marketing on these initiatives often note that no one country is safe from COVID-19 until everyone in the world can be protected. This may be a good way to communicate the importance of vaccine equity. However, it does seem interesting that countries have to be persuaded to help based on their own self-interests rather than just doing it because it’s the “right” thing to do.
Looking forward to this class and meeting you all!
Doing what's right for the sake of virtue: seems obvious, doesn't it? How far we've drifted from righteousness.
DeleteYou're right, studying philosophy definitely requires self-critical evaluation of one's assumptions. But those of us who call ourselves empiricists won't concede that philosophy's subjects (and bioethics') cannot be analyzed empirically.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Julianna and I am a premed junior! This is my last semester at MTSU before starting med school at Meharry Medical College.
To me, philosophy is the act of seeking for truth through deep thought and discussion. I find philosophy very interesting in that it investigates thoughts and the path from which they come. For me, philosophy makes you rethink everything you have ever known .. or at least thought you knew. Bioethics is philosophy but in the medical setting, where ethics and moral reasoning are highlighted and evaluated.
Honestly, I do not have a favorite philosopher, but I am sure that by the end of this course I will. My favorite life scientist is Elizabeth Blackwell. She was the first woman to be named a physician and also founder of America’s first medical schools for women.
I find the actions surrounding the pandemic very alarming. To elaborate, it is hard to hear that some individuals are not taking proper precautions because “they are not scared of the virus.” My answer is always, “it may not impact you in a harsh way; however, someone’s grandmother/grandfather/immunocompromised loved one could die from it.” It is sad that the world is so selfish.
Alarming indeed. So many people do not understand, or do not choose to understand, that health is not just a personal matter... that our social networks and public spaces are also conduits of illness and disease. Selfish is the word.
DeleteHello! My name is Kirolos Michael and I'm a third year student here at MTSU and an aspiring physician. I love sports, reading a good book, and being outdoors.
ReplyDeleteI understand Philosophy as the study of thought, knowledge, and viewpoints. Similarly, I see bioethics under the umbrella of philosophy as the study of the knowledge of life and morality, especially pertaining to the health care setting.
I wouldn't say I have a favorite philosopher, but I do have a favorite school of thought. Particularly, I find myself thinking "it is what it is" far too often than I would care to admit. For this reason, I tend to identify with stoicism and accept the things that I can't change. I've been wanting to read the Mediations by Marcus Aurelius for a while, but haven't gotten around to it just yet. Maybe he's my favorite philosopher.
As far as the pandemic goes, it's frustrating. I know too many people who claim to want to go into medicine, but that fail to recognize science. Failing to get the vaccine, going out to party while sick, etc etc. Too many people claim to believe something, but do the opposite. It's strange, but unfortunately the world we live in.
"It is what it is" + "maybe we can make it better" = Stoic pragmatism
DeleteHello everyone! My name is Hursha Kondee, and I am a freshman this year studying science. I understand philosophy to be questioning meanings, truth, and connections to bring more profound understanding. Usually, philosophy deals with ideas that cannot be solved by the natural sciences. This is why I find bioethics to be quite interesting, as it deals with understanding and contemplating ethical issues that arise from biological, medicinal, and other advancements.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a favorite philosopher, but I enjoyed learning about J.S. Mill’s ideas and how he modified utilitarian thought in my previous philosophy class. For my favorite scientist, I find Marie Curie’s story and contributions very inspiring and meaningful.
I think the idea of benefitting the most people possible during these tough times is interesting to ponder. On one hand, there are governments and agencies that must work hard to bring vaccines and information to the most people they can, but on a smaller scale, there are choices that each person can make to benefit the people around them, such as getting vaccinated or social distancing. I observe some people around me struggle to reach a consensus when they balance their own values with information from the scientific community. I also see people make different choices after reaching a conclusion about what to do during the pandemic. I would like to discuss and understand the ethics behind the decision to follow or not follow these guidelines from an individual, community, and medical professional’s perspective. I hope to learn more about this and other ideas in bioethics this semester!
Mill is also one of my favorites. James dedicated Pragmatism to his memory.
DeleteHello! My name is Pierce Creighton. I'm a junior this year and I'm studying general science in the hopes of becoming a physcian.
ReplyDeleteMy understanding of philosophy is a method of understanding not only the world, but the thoughts and feelings behind human beings and their drives. I've never gave much thought about bioethics, but my basic understanding of it is that it is the way of acting ethically within the confides of science.
My favorite philosopher is Cato, and basically most stoics. Not only did he have an unquestionable moral code, but he also died instead of live under tyranny.
One ethical question that comes to the pandemic is the thought of vaccine distribution, which communities should be prioritized, if they should even be prioritized.
See my earlier comment: stoicism is great, but for me is even greater when leavened with a dose of pragmatism.
DeleteHey everyone! My name is Pranathi Shankar. I'm a Senior and I graduate in May 2022. I'm a psychology major and I hope to become a therapist once I complete my PhD.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking this class because I had previously taken Dr. Oliver's intro to philosophy class in my freshman year and I really enjoyed it. Since I needed an elective bio ethics seemed like the most apt class with everything going on in the world with the pandemic.
My current understanding of philosophy is that it's the way we try to figure out various things about our life as an individual, as a part of society or simply as a sentient being in this universe. I don't have much of an idea about bioethics, except that it involves learning about philosophy using life sciences.
I don't have one favorite philosopher with whom my views totally align with. I'm hoping having learned about some this semester I can find one.
The thought that I keep having during this pandemic is that, why aren't people being more enthusiastic about ending it rather than prolonging it for years without following directions that are proven to reduce it.
I haven't found a philosopher with whom my views totally align either, but William James is my favorite because his perspective and voice are the most consistently humane and constructive that I've found. "What would WJ say?" is always a useful question for me, it always helps me find my own perspective.
DeleteI am Curtis Dearing, I am here to learn the ethical portion of biology. This is my first philosophy class. I anticipate lots of ‘two sides of every coin’ scenarios.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning why limits are set in place on studies that could go much further. I currently understand philosophy to be a study of mindsets that allows acceptance on why things are the way they are. I understand bioethics to be moral regulations/mindsets over practices as we advance in the field of health.
If I had to choose a favorite philosopher it would have to be Confucius. I do not have a favorite life-scientist. Philosophical reflection on the pandemic is that ‘a fish with a closed mouth never gets caught’.
The close-mouthed fish is interesting but I'm not sure I get the analogy. Who are the fish, in human terms?
DeleteHi, my name is Austin Richardson. I am here for many reasons, most of which are likely beyond my understanding. Among the most prominent reasons is that I am majoring in philosophy and psychology. Philosophy serves to solidify our understanding of the world and ourselves. Our deepest questions are inherently philosophical ones. I surmise that bioethics is an ethics of life, but beyond that I cannot rightly say. I had initially figured that bioethics tackled subjects like human/animal relations and climate consciousness, but after peaking at the syllabus, it seems like the field is much broader. The relationship to philosophy seems quite clear. I assume bioethics is a subcategory of ethics, which is itself a subcategory of philosophy.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite philosophers are Søren Kierkegaard, David Hume, and Socrates. I love the quote at the top of this blog. While I have read very little of William James, I am quite fond of him. He is the model for the interdisciplinary psychology/philosophy academic. As a side bar, I need to mention that Dr. Principe shows his intro class some writings from James while he was under the effects of Nitrous oxide. They are as hilarious as they are fascinating, and I encourage my classmates to check them out.
If I think about ethics and the pandemic, a couple things come to mind. I think that lot of the contention and polarization around the pandemic and pandemic response comes from conflict about what we think is the appropriate amount of social regulation. Also, tribalism plays a role here, but set that conversation to the side for now. Whether people know it or not, the pandemic has given us cause to renegotiate the social contract. Especially in the west, we feel that our personal liberties should not be infringed. Yet, we also want to feel safe and see a strong pandemic response. Sometimes that response, in order to be the most effective, needs to infringe upon liberties.
James was at least half-serious about nitrous oxide helping him make more sense of Hegelian philosophy. But statements like "his nonsense is pure onsense" must seem a lot more profound in the moment of first utterance. Once the laughing gas wears off, so does the seeming profundity.
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