KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Center for the Study of Ethics in Society is sponsoring book reading events during the fall semester to encourage discussion about the role of ethics in decision making and moral judgment.
Between the lines
Two books have been selected for the series, titled "Ethics Between the Lines." Those books are "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion," and "Locked In: A Novel of the Near Future."
Dr. Jil Larson, professor of English, will lead discussions of the book "The Righteous Mind" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Just in time for the presidential election, participants will have a chance to discuss the role of gut feelings in moral judgments and why moral intuitions may differ among conservatives, progressives and libertarians. The group will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25 in 2072 Moore Hall.
Tyler Gibb, co-chief of the program in medical ethics, humanities and law at the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, will lead discussions of "Locked In," a dystopian novel by John Scalzi. In the story, a small percentage of those surviving a deadly virus are left awake and conscious, but unable to move, speak or respond. The group will examine ethical responsibilities and temptations surrounding such an event. The group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 1, 16 and 20 in the Medical Library of the medical school.
Both groups are open to the general public as well as the WMU community. People may sign up by sending an email to ethicscenter@wmich.edu. The Ethics Center will supply the books.
For more information, visit wmich.edu/ethics, where any changes or additions to the schedule will be announced.
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