Primate Encounters
PHIL 266
Spring 2011
| Section:
01
|
| Crosslisting:
ENVS 266, SISP 266 |
| Certificates: Environmental Studies |
What does it mean to see ourselves as primates, as close evolutionary relatives to other great apes and distant kin to old world and new world monkeys? In this course we will explore the wide-ranging philosophical implications of answers to this question by examining the evolution and behaviors of other primates, the ideas and assumptions (often gendered) of primatologists watching primates, and the thoughts of observers of the primatologists watching primates. We will pursue topics in the philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, and ethics. We will adopt a largely comparative perspective and examine philosophical, scientific, psychological and popular writing (as well as films). We will end the course exploring how seeing ourselves as pimates might have implications for the survival of our primate kin, and ultimately our own survival. |
|
Essential Capabilities:
Ethical Reasoning |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
None |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (PHIL-Philosophy) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Shirley Strum and Linda Fedigan, eds., PRIMATE ENCOUNTERS: MODELS OF SCIENCE, GENDER, AND SOCIETY
Frans de Wall, et al, PRIMATES AND PHILOSOPHERS
Donna Haraway, PRIMATES VISIONS (portions)
Articles on blackboard.
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Short response papers and a final project. Participation in class and in outside-class activities will also be expected. |
| Instructor(s): Gruen,Lori Times: ..T.R.. 10:30AM-11:50AM; Location: FISK404; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 3 | JR major: 3 | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 6 | FR: 7 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 12 | 1st Ranked: 1 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 10 |
|
|