This archive consists of lectures given by philosophers that explore the application of philosophy to important bioethics issues in today’s world. Lectures are updated periodically.
“Meaningfulness: A Third Dimension of the Good Life”
Lecture given by Susan Wolf, 2017, Youngstown State University
In this lecture, Susan Wolf critiques traditional accounts of the Good Life which emphasize only happiness and morality. In response, she lays out a “fulfillment view” which introduces meaning as a third requisite to the Good Life. Dr. Wolf’s account of meaning and fulfillment holds implications for how bioethicists conceive of wellbeing and our responsibilities surrounding wellbeing.
“Uniqueness, Intrinsic Value, and Reasons”
Lecture given by Gwen Bradford, 2016, DePauw University
In this lecture, Gwen Bradford explores the concept of uniqueness and its relation to intrinsic value. Her argument holds implications for how we ought to relate to bearers of value (e.g., historical artifacts, elements of nature, human beings) with regard to their uniqueness.
“Dying Alone: The Badness of Death”
Lecture given by Shelly Kagan, 2008, Yale University
In this lecture, Shelly Kagan explores several hypotheses which seek to explain what about dying (or being dead) is actually bad. In other words, what is the bad-making feature of death? Is it non-existence? Is it the deprivation of potential future experiences? Thinking well about these questions is critical when considering the permissibility of offering certain clinical interventions or providing aid in dying.
“Anger and Revolutionary Justice”
Lecture given by Martha Nussbaum, 2015, University of Chicago
In this lecture, Martha Nussbaum makes a series of claims about the nature of anger and its relation to retributivism and justice, arguing against the virtue or necessity of anger in enacting justice. Her argument has implications for how bioethical advocacy (be it clinical, environmental, etc.,) responds to injustice, both past and present.