The Political Philosophy of Epidemics: Updates for GV316 and GV4H5

New Course Content

In light of the challenges caused by the global SARS-CoV2 pandemic, I have decided, in consultation with the Department, to change the content for GV316 (Advanced Issues in Applied Political Theory) and GV4H5 (The Political Philosophy of Environmental Change, renamed to: The Political Philosophy of Epidemics).

New Content for GV316 and GV4H5

In 2020-21, the courses will address political-philosophical questions in the context of a pandemic. The approach will be interdisciplinary and exploratory. While the focus is on normative-philosophical issues, we will also make use of positive-analytical and empirical literature. Some of the possible questions to be discussed are: How do epidemics develop and what are the mechanisms and dynamics of contagion? How should we think about and manage the complexity and uncertainty arising from a global pandemic? Which principles should guide the interaction of politics and science? How should scarce health care resources be allocated? Under which circumstances, if any, is it permissible to impose health risks on others? Do we have special reasons to obey the authority of the state during a health crisis? Is it permissible to suspend civil liberties in order to fight an epidemic? Which individual obligations and responsibilities do we have to limit the spread of an epidemic?

Some Issues to be Covered

• Dynamics of Contagion

• Understanding SARS-CoV-2

•  Allocating and Rationing Health Care

•  The Value of a Life

•  Risk Imposition and Risk Distribution

• The Ethics of Vaccinations and Vaccine Testing

• Managing Severe Uncertainty:  Precaution

• Discrimination, Structural Injustice, Epidemics

•  Authority, Legitimacy, Emergency

•  Democracy in a Pandemic

  A more precise syllabus is in development.

New Timetabling and Assessment

As in previous years, the lectures for GV316 and GV4H5 are concurrent, though they are likely to be delivered in the form of recorded lectures and other material. Classes and seminars will be separate for the two courses. They will be offered on campus and/or on-line, depending on what the health and safety circumstances allow.

The courses take place in the Michaelmas Term (not in the Lent Term, as in previous years).

Assessment consists of an essay (due in the Lent Term) and a shorter Blog or Wiki entry.