What This Document Is
This is the first study guide for PHIL 309, Medicine & Human Values, at George Mason University (Fall 2018). It’s designed to help students review key concepts and prepare for assessments related to arguments, validity, soundness, and applied ethical reasoning through thought experiments. The guide focuses on foundational logic principles and their application to complex bioethical issues.
Why This Document Matters
This study guide is essential for students enrolled in PHIL 309. It serves as a focused review of lecture material, particularly regarding deductive and inductive arguments, and the nuances of moral reasoning as illustrated by Thomson’s thought experiments. It’s most useful when used *in conjunction with* course lectures and assigned readings, acting as a checkpoint for understanding. It exists to help students solidify their grasp of core concepts before moving forward in the course.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This study guide provides review questions and key points, but it does *not* offer complete explanations of the philosophical concepts. It assumes prior engagement with the course material. It won’t replace attending lectures, completing readings, or engaging in class discussions. It is a tool for self-assessment, not a substitute for learning.
What This Document Provides
This study guide includes:
* Review questions on argument validity and soundness.
* Key points from discussions of Thomson’s “The Famous Violinist” thought experiment, relating to abortion and bodily autonomy.
* An overview of the “Extreme Position” regarding abortion and cases involving the mother’s life.
* Analysis of Thomson’s “Responsibility Argument” and the burglar thought experiment, exploring moral responsibility and duties.
* Questions designed to prompt critical thinking about the distinctions between killing and letting die.
This preview *does not* include answers to the review questions, detailed explanations of the philosophical arguments, or the full context of the course readings. It is a roadmap to the full study guide, not a replacement for it.