PHIL 225 - Philosophy and Cancer

Number of Credits: 3
Philosophy and Cancer explores an understudied aspect of the experience of cancer and other life-altering, life-threatening conditions. People with cancer face a distinctly philosophical task: seeking meaning when one’s world has been torn apart. This class explores the task of seeking meaning in the midst of the crisis of loss of personal and social identity, self-blame, isolation, depersonalization, cultural myths that stigmatize, possible disability, distress from disease, the menace of recurrent disease and mortality, and unexpected challenges of survivorship. The focus of the class will be geared toward people who have experienced cancer and those who care for them professionally and personally, no personal experience on the part of students will be assumed Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify and demonstrate comprehension of aspects of the experience of cancer and other life-altering conditions that pertain to the philosophical search for meaning. (G-1,4,7) (H-1,2,3)
Identify and critically examine the impact of cultural elements, medical practice, and interpersonal relationships on the experiences of people with cancer and other life-altering conditions. ( G-2,6,7) (H-1,2,3,4)
Demonstrate comprehension of key concepts and terminology that we employ as we articulate the crisis of meaning in the experience of cancer and other life-altering conditions. (G-1,4,7) (H-1,2,3,4)
Critically examine popular and novel ideas about how to seek meaning in the midst of the experience of cancer. Critically examine established and novel ideas about how to assist people with cancer as they face the challenges of navigating their disease in the midst of a crisis in meaning. (G-2,5,7) (H-2,3,4,5)
Participate in class discussions of topical issues, maintaining a cooperative, respectful, and supportive environment. (G-1,7) (H-3)
Demonstrate effective reading of sources drawn from a variety of voices regarding the experiences of people with cancer and other life-altering conditions. Further demonstrate the ability to treat these sources fairly while critically evaluating what they say. (G-2,4) (H-1,2,3,4)
Use philosophical activity as a way to explore class themes and to expand, challenge, and refine one’s views about the search for meaning in our lives and , specifically, within the context of cancer and other life-altering conditions. (G-2,7) (H-2,3,4,5)