FIL2010 – Special Topics in Philosophy
Course content
FIL2010 is a code used when seminars are offered that are not a part of our regular courses. Content, form of teaching and type of exam may vary from one semester to another.
Fall 2023 the topic will be as follows:
FIL2010 Philosophy of Medicine
This course is an introduction to the epistemology of medicine. The course organizes into three thematic pliers: 1) The concept of disease and well-being, 2) Medicalization, and 3) Evidence in medicine and epistemic injustice.
The first pillar of the course engages with the classical debate on different understandings of health and disease. We will introduce the perspectives of naturalism, normativism and phenomenology on human health and malady. We will explore the meaning of concepts like disease, illness, sickness, health, and well-being, discuss why they are important and whether there is a unified way to understand human suffering or flourishing.?
The second pillar of the course focuses on medicalization and medical authority. Here we will discuss the concept of medicalization, its historical background, and specific instances of medicalization and de-medicalization today in the context of race, gender, and personalized medicine. Finally, we will discuss whether medicalization could be a positive phenomenon and consider different cases.
The third pillar of the course connects the philosophy of medicine to the general philosophy of science while considering the uniqueness of medical practice. We will discuss the evidence hierarchies of evidence-based medicine, narrative medicine, and epistemic injustice.
The three pillars will allow us to investigate power dynamics in health management and governance and to reflect on the role philosophy and philosophers have (or should have) in it.
Learning outcome
After having completed the exam, you will be able to
- demonstrate a thorough insight in problems related to a specific field within philosophy
- discuss different views related to the topic of the course in a relatively independent and critical way
- describe the main aspects of the topic in an independent and critical manner
?
Taking the course in the fall 2023 will in addition enable you to:
- understand the central philosophical concerns and problems that motivate the different authors in the three pillars. ?
- discuss various conceptions, definition and explanations related to human wellbeing and suffering.
- critically engage with the different positions and arguments of the texts on the curriculum, including producing your own arguments as part of your examination. ?
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
We advice you to complete an introductory course in a relevant philosophical area before applying for admission to this course, since a certain degree of background knowledge in philosophy is expected.
Teaching
12 double sessions of seminars and lectures.
Fall 2023 the course has the following compulsory activities:
- Mandatory presence at the seminars (a minimum of 9 times out of 12).
- A short 10 min oral presentation of one of the texts on the reading list (in groups or individually depending on the number og students).
- Submitting one question/comment on each mandatory reading prior to the class (9 classes minimum)
- Submitting a title and 500 words abstract for the planned term paper for approval.
All the obligatory tuition activities must be accepted as satisfactory in order to be able to hand in the term paper. The acitivities are only valid for one semester (the same semester they are completed).
Examination
A term paper of approximately 10-12 pages of 2300 characters, footnotes and literature list not included. The essay is to be submitted in Inspera.
All compulsory acitivities must be completed to be able to complete the exam. The activitiea are only valdi the semester they are completed.
Language of examination
The examination topics will be given in English, and the exam must be written in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.