This course deals with biology as a science and with moral issues in society that are related to biology. Questions on these topics often don’t have definite answers. The aim of this course is to explore such open questions in two domains of philosophy. We will deal with:
1. Philosophy of science. To understand biology as a science, we discuss the philosophical question of what science is. What does it mean to do scientific research today? What makes knowledge ‘scientific’? Interviews with researchers in biology will add concrete and topical input for thinking.
2. Ethics. Many developments in biology raise ethical questions. How should we treat nature and non-human animals? Do we have a moral duty to safeguard biodiversity? How to use genetic modification tools in a morally responsible way? What to think of biological explanations of moral behavior? Morality is both all-pervasive and elusive. Considering a diversity of ethical approaches helps to get a grip on these issues.
