PHL 225 Philosophy of Medicine

In this course, students will investigate fascinating issues connected to medicine. Physicians prescribe medicine because using it is expected to improve a patient’s well-being. Beneath this very simple description of a common practice are a number of assumptions that should be investigated. Among them: the nature of sickness and well-being, the evidence used to determine that particular medicine is both safe and effective, the reality of psychological illness, the ethical implications of certain medical treatments, and the rationality of trusting experts from a patient’s point of view. Students in this course will develop their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills by engaging in a philosophical investigation of medicine.

3 credit hours