In this course we explore and apply ethical concepts, values and approaches that are central for societal concerns about health. Health, well-being, justice, and autonomy can be considered as some of the core values of public health. Moral questions arise when such values conflict with each other. These issues do not allow for simple, determinate answers, nor can they be left to subjective opinion: it is possible and inevitable to reflect on what is right and wrong, and to formulate and assess ethical arguments. Ethical theories can help in that respect. Throughout the course, key concepts, core values and approaches are introduced and illustrated through discussion of practical problems in public health. Students learn to recognise moral values and principles in public health policies, analyse moral arguments and structure their own deliberation.
Introduction to Global One Health
The core idea of Global One Health is that the health of people, animals, plants, and their environments are closely connected, and that the causes of environmental problems and human/animal ill-health easily cross borders. Examples are the spread of avian influenza or Ebola, the emergence of antibiotic resistance, the global causes of malnutrition, and health problems linked to water pollution. The insight of how different problems are interconnected has implications for the study of health problems and for policies to prevent disease and environmental degradation. In this introductory course, students explore central approaches, concepts, and ethical dilemmas in Global One Health.
Joint with Marleen Bekker and Marcel Verweij.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Health
Public health raises a number of issues which require the joint efforts of philosophy, politics and economics: how should scarce healthcare resources be allocated to generate fair and efficient outcomes? What do different healthcare systems imply for what kinds of services will be provided, and what is the appropriate role of the state in promoting public health? When are inequalities in health unfair, and what should be done about it? We will also discuss pressing issues that are raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as when it might be justifiable for governments to restrict basic liberties in the face of a public health emergency.
Worksheets
Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10
Some choices we are facing today – such as how to tax carbon emissions – may have far-reaching consequences for future generations: our choices may affect the well-being of future individuals, or may affect who (if anyone) will exist in the first place. How ought we to incorporate the interests of possible future beings into these choices? We will introduce a framework in which this question can reasonably be considered, by drawing on literature from philosophy and economics. We will then apply this framework to discuss concrete choices – concerning climate change, procreation, human enhancement, and artificial intelligence – where important issues of future ethics arise. Master’s level course, Leibniz University Hannover, Summer Term 2021.
Markets: Perspectives from Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Master’s level course, exploring moral problems raised by markets and assessing how these problems might best be solved, through regulation, market design, or through banning the market in certain spheres. Summer Term 2020, Leibniz University Hannover, joint with Lucie White.
Philosophy and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
Master’s level course, reflecting on what AI is and what it can achieve; how it impacts our lives and society; and whether and how research and use of AI should be regulated. Winter Term 2019-20, Leibniz University Hannover.
Worksheets
Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12
Older Courses (as Teaching Assistant)
Genes, Brains and Society
Undergraduate level course, examining the ways in which recent developments in genetics and neuroscience challenge our conceptions of what we are, and what we could become. London School of Economics and Political Science, 2018-19.
Competitive Strategy and Game Theory
Intermediate level summer school course, applying tools from game theory, economics and psychology to managerial situations. Management Department, London School of Economics, 2017 and 2018.
Logic
Undergraduate level introduction to propositional calculus, 1st order logic and basic set theory. London School of Economics, 2015-16 and 2016-17.
