PHIL 340 - Freedom, Addiction and the Opioid Crisis

Credits: 4
A study of what happens to human agency and choice in cases of addiction. This course explores how addiction, agency, and choice are framed by philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, sociology, and anthropology. Students read and discuss journal articles as well as ethnographic narratives of addiction. Topics include the opioid epidemic, moral responsibility, the role of social policies, social stigma, and comparisons between the US and other cultures. Listening to guest speakers, including recovering addicts, is among one of the learning tools.

 

Prerequisite: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.

 

Distribution Requirements: CL, SB.