GWU Philosophy Events 

Archive, 2003-2004

2003-2004 Thacher Lecture
in Philosophy of Science and Logic:

"Reading One's Own Mind:
What Autism & Schizophrenia Can Tell Us About Self-Awareness"

Stephen Stich
Board of Governors Professor,
Department of Philosophy & Center for Cognitive Science
Rutgers University

Friday April 23, 4:00 - 6:00
(refreshments begin at 3:40)
Strong Hall piano lounge, 620 21st St.

This event is open to the public. For more information, call (202) 994-6265 or email ilya@gwu.edu.

Abstract: In recent years, a number of leading psychologists and philosophers have defended an account of self-awareness which maintains that in becoming aware of our own mental states we invoke a tacit “theory of mind” – the same theory of mind that is used to detect and reason about the mental states of other people. This “theory-theory” account of self awareness has been defended by appealing to evidence about autism and schizophrenia. We offer an alternative account of self-awareness according to which “theory of mind” plays no role in the process. We then argue that the evidence from autism and schizophrenia is not compatible with the theory-theory of self-awareness, though it is compatible with our account

2003-2004 Elton Lecture:

"Unjust War"

Jeff McMahan, Rutgers University

Friday February 6, 4:00
Marvin Center 309

Abstract: This paper argues that certain central tenets of the traditional theory of the just war cannot be correct. It then advances an alternative account grounded in the same considerations of justice that justify self-defense at the individual level. The implications of this account are unorthodox, even heretical. It implies that, with few exceptions, soldiers who fight without a just cause act impermissibly when they attack enemy soldiers, and that soldiers who fight in a just war may, in certain circumstances, legitimately target noncombatants who bear a significant degree of moral responsibility for the grievance that provides the just cause for war.

'03-'04 Friday Brown-Bag Series

These talks are informal presentations of works-in-progress, usually followed by a substantial discussion period. Interested guests from other departments or institutions are welcome unless otherwise noted, and of course, you're encouraged to bring your lunch! All Brown-Bag talks are held in the Philosophy Department seminar room, Phillips 510. Note the variable start times; sessions "officially" break up after one hour, though the room will usually be available for those who wish to continue the discussion.

October 17, 12:00: Peter Caws, "Some Questions About the Evolution of Ontologies"
October 31, 12:30: David DeGrazia, "Enhancement Technologies and Self-Creation"
November 14, 12:30: Jeffrey Brand-Ballard, "Rules That Bend Without Breaking"
December 5, 12:30: John Rudisill, "The Logic of Justificatory Neutrality"
January 30, 12:00: Dave Truncellito, "How to Talk About Appearances"
February 13, 12:00: Eric Saidel, "On the Content of Pictures"
February 27, 12:00: Thanassis Samaras, "How Utopian is the Utopian Aristotle?"
March 12, 12:00: Gail Weiss, "Mothers/Intellectuals: Alterities of a 'Dual' Identity"
April 16, 11:00 (note early start): David DeGrazia, "Prenatal Identity: Genetic Interventions, Reproductive Choices"
April 23, 12:00: Tatiana Romanovskaya, TBA

2nd Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference at GWU

My (Br)other's Keeper:
Citizenship and Responsibility in the 21st Century

Saturday, April 24

Time and location TBA

Café Philosophique

These are open discussions, organized by the Colonial Philosophy Club in conjunction with the Department, focusing on topics of general public interest. Faculty "guest hosts" speak briefly to introduce the issue and provide a bit of context, and then everyone is invited to join in a spirited conversation. Light refreshments are provided, and everyone in the community is welcome to attend. Suggested readings are made available, for anyone wishing to read up on the issue in advance. For details, contact the Department or the Philosophy Club.

December 3, 7:30 PM, Lafayette Hall basement: A discussion of the ethical and policy implications of pharmaceutical companies' funding of research into their own drugs, and in particular of the recent finding that such research is four times more likely than independent research to yield a positive result. Faculty guest hosts will be Jeffrey Brand-Ballard and Ilya Farber.

April 5, 7:00 PM, Lafayette Hall basement: "Gay Marriage in America: Philosophical, Political, and Public Policy Implications." Faculty guest host will be Jeffrey Brand-Ballard. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments, as none will be provided for this session.