PS 391 Ethical Controversies in Psychology & Neuroscience (Fall/Spring: 3)
Prerequisite:
A 200-level Psychology elective or permission of the instructor
Can fMRI machines really "see" your thoughts? Should our brains or our free
will be held responsible for our behavior? Should psychotropic drugs be
used for neural enhancement, or only to treat illness? Psychology and neuroscience
raise a host of ethical controversies--from claims to peer into the privacy
of the mind, to applications in the courtroom, to treatment of experimental
subjects. Rather than determining the "right" answers, this course explores
the scientific, political, social, moral, and religious values these debates
involve. Readings include works by scientists, philosophers, historians,
theologians, and ethicists. Students enact the roles of stakeholders in
in-class debates.
Nadine Weidman
Last Updated: 17-JAN-13