TJ Perkins
History and Philosophy of Science
From the Scientific Revolution through logical positivism and Darwinian evolution, students in this class will interrogate key moments in the history of science by examining the work of figures such as Aristotle, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Darwin through a philosophical lens. These primary texts will be considered using methods modeled by philosophers of science and applied to cases in the history of science. We will investigate scientific paradigm shifts, what constitutes a scientific theory, scientific advances and pitfalls, and how values influence scientific research.
Ethics in Video Games
Video games are an ever-increasing feature of the human experience. How do video games impact society? What special responsibilities do we have as players and consumers? How can we use ethical theories in our daily practice? In this course we will interrogate these questions and more with the aim to learn and discuss the role video games can play in helping us reason about ethical problems. Students will also play and analyze games and discuss their embedded values and politics.
Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy involves the critical examination of our fundamental beliefs, values, and practices. This course introduces students to the fields, methods, and history of philosophy. It allows students to explore some of the significant issues (e.g., the possibility of knowledge, the existence of God, free will, the nature of morality) in-depth and to develop the ability to think, speak, and write critically about complex questions.
Bioethics
This course introduces students to key moral questions in medicine. Students will examine topics such as informed consent, reproductive ethics, genetic technologies, and end-of-life decision-making, grounding discussion in major ethical frameworks. The course aims to develop students’ ability to analyze complex moral problems, consider diverse perspectives, and apply ethical reasoning to real-world biomedical contexts. By the end, students will be equipped with both conceptual tools and practical insight to engage thoughtfully with contemporary bioethical debates.
Science & Society
Science and society are deeply intertwined. Our personal and collective decisions about health, our environment, and the economy are often shaped by the latest scientific findings. At the same time, science itself is shaped by social forces, as human needs and interests guide priorities and funding structures. In this course, we will explore two perspectives: first, viewing science and society as distinct but interconnected spheres, and second, examining science as a social enterprise in its own right, complete with its own norms, practices, and values. Along the way, we will engage with modern case studies—such as climate change, gene editing, and artificial intelligence—to see how these dynamics play out in pressing real-world contexts.
