NC State

Fall 2010

The goal of this course is to deepen our understanding of the human using philosophical and scientific modes of inquiry.

We focus on human singularity: the properties, if any, that make us superior to nonhuman animals and cyborgs. It's a commonplace to think humans are unique in a variety of ways. Only we have music, language, reason, free will, souls, religion, empathy, altruism, social cooperation, reciprocity, self-consciousness, ability to use tools, or lead autobiographical lives. But do all of us have all of the properties? Might some animals--other mammals, birds, even fish--have some of them? Might future learning machines acquire one or another? If we possess these properties are we therefore morally superior to those who lack them? If so, why? If not, why not?

We will explore conflicting answers to these questions and evaluate the arguments used to support them. We'll pay particular attention to the implications of scientific experiments in relevant fields. We will, for example, discuss a protocol in which a computer is used to read a monkey's thoughts, a robot that seems to train itself--like a toddler--to pick up objects, a bonobo that plans several hours into the future, and an orangutan that spontaneously begins whistling.

What is human nature? If technology allows us to change our nature, should public policy allow us to do so? Should we re-engineer our carnivorous instincts into vegetarian desires? Should we implant memory chips in our brains? Upload our conscious states into virtual Matrices where we can live forever disembodied?

We begin by learning a method for identifying and evaluating arguments. Critical skills are essential for assessing the soundness of contentions in all areas of life, so we will spend time practicing them here.

As a result of learning the material in this course you will be able to:

1. Identify, reconstruct, interpret, and analyze complex arguments about the meaning of human life

2. Understand fundamental issues crossing academic disciplines

3. Distinguish degrees of plausibility and verification by critically examining evidence and logic

4. Answer questions about controversies concerning the meaning of being human

To begin, take a minute to acquaint yourself with the three tabs to your left. Click on each one--Schedule, Modules, and Assignments--and review the menus.

Ready to proceed? Click again on Schedule and find 1.0 INTRODUCTION TO WEBSITE. Click there.