HPS/Pl 169: Selected Topics in Philosophy of Science: The Origins of Value

Spring Term, 2004-05

Animals and humans perceive the world as value-laden - from good and bad to right and wrong. These values are not thought to be intrinsic to the world, but are somehow conferred on the world. In this course, we will explore the origin of value from a variety of perspectives, including value theory in philosophy, utility theory in economics, and neural valuation in brain science. Central to our exploration will be our focus on what human valuation shares, and doesn't share, with non-human valuation. In particular, we will explore the idea that humans are uniquely capable of transmitting values socially, thus giving rise to diistinct forms of human social life and institutions. Instructor: Quartz, Tuesdays 7-10pm.