Department of Philosophy News

ETHICS BITES podcasts
Some of the most contentious moral issues of today's society are the focus of Ethics Bites – a new series of podcasts from The Open University that features contributions from some of the most eminent commentators in the field drawn from across the world. The latest thinking on issues as diverse as climate change, euthanasia, censorship of the arts and corporate responsibility is drawn together for the series. Podcasts will be made available weekly on Wednesdays. Applied ethics is a central theme; at the core of each programme in the 14-part series are the connections between the issue and its everyday implications. Go to the Ethics Bites website.

Conference on Death: What it is and Why It Matters, 17-18 July 2008
Carolyn Price and Chris Belshaw, joined by Steve Holland at the University of York, are organising a conference on Death: What it is and Why It Matters. The conference, which will take place in York on 17th and 18th July 2008, is funded by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, the University of York, and the Faculty of Arts at the Open University. Follow this link to visit the conference website.

New course on ethics in real life
Ethics in real life (A181) a new 15-point course was presented for the first time in April 2008. The course is for those interested in ethical problems. It deals specifically with the end of life, with issues of plagiarism and copyright, and issues concerning the responsibilities of companies and shareholders. These discussions are set within a theoretical framework, which is designed to make us better decision-makers. It's taught online, lasts for fifteen weeks and has one audio CD. Find out more.

'Philosophy Bites' podcasts
Nigel Warburton (lecturer at the OU) and David Edmonds (OU Philosophy PhD) have put together a collection of podcast interviews with famous philosophers. These are currently riding high on the download charts. For more information, go to Philosophy Bites.

Keith Frankish was awarded an AHRC research leave grant for his work on the Philosophy of Psychology. Keith will be away until October 2008.

BA (Hons) award in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
The Open University has recently introduced a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Students studying for this award will be able to explore a range of questions concerning social, political and economic relationships and will learn how to understand and analyse complex information. You can find further information about this award on the courses and qualifications website.

BA (Hons) award in Philosophy and Psychological Studies
In 2005 the Department introduced a new BA (Hons) award in Philosophy and Psychological Studies. Students studying for this award will be able to explore the different approaches taken by philosophers and psychologists to the study of human minds and society, and to make connections between them. You can find further information about the award on the courses and qualifications website and on the Faculty of Arts website.