Socratic Society

The Socratic Society in conjunction with the PSU Philosophy Club present:

John Martin Fischer of the University of California - Riverside will be speaking on "Responsibility and Autonomy: The Problem of Mission Creep"

Friday, February 24, 2012 : 5:00pm

Smith Memorial Student Union : 333

Abstract:

I explore the relationship between the closely-related, but different, notions of moral responsibility and autonomy.  I contend that it has been problematic in some instances not to distinguish these two notions; that is, the conflation of responsibility and autonomy can lead to confusions. I argue that originally Harry Frankfurt and Gary Watson sought to analyze the notion of moral responsibility in their own accounts; over time the target subtly shifted (mission creep) to autonomy--a related but different notion.

John Martin Fischer is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, and is the future President of the American Philosophical Association, Pacific Division. He is best known for his work on philosophical issues concerning life and death and on free will and moral responsibility. He is the author of many articles and books, including /The Metaphysics of Control: An Essay on Free Will /(Blackwell); /Responsibility and Control: A Theory of Moral Responsibility/ (with Mark Ravizza, Cambridge), /My Way: Essays on Moral Responsibility /(Oxford), and/Our Stories: Essays on Life, Death, and Free Will/ (Oxford).

The Socratic Society of Portland State University is a venue for Philosophy faculty and philosophers from outside the University to present papers or speak on various topics of interest. Meetings for the 2011-12 academic year will be announced as they are scheduled.

Please check periodically for upcoming events, and if you are interested in presenting or participating with the Socratic Society at PSU, please contact Avram Hiller at ahiller@pdx.edu.

Thank you!