The Anscombe Reading Group will relaunch this spring, convened by Dr. Nathan Hauthaler (Barry Foundation Fellow, PRRUCS, University of Pennsylvania). The group will meet on a monthly basis to explore the views of G.E.M. Anscombe on some connected concepts and questions in ethics, metaethics, the philosophy of action, and theology. We will start with Anscombe's discussions of the Doctrine of Double Effect (which concerns the relative moral significance of what is intended vs. merely foreseen), in conjunction with some of Philippa Foot's classic contributions, as the two eminent philosophers were developing their positions together in conversation.

Double Effect will afford us a springboard for investigating Anscombe's views on some more general operative concepts and distinctions underlying the doctrine, including: intention vs. mere anticipation or foreknowledge; relatedly, wanting something to happen vs. merely anticipating and acquiescing in its happening; likewise doing vs. allowing to happen. Such distinction will in turn invite us to get clearer on Anscombe’s view on the nature of voluntary or intentional action generally, and its connection to issues of causation and knowledge, respectively, both of action and its results.

These issues should offer us a promising path into the rich landscape of Anscombe's moral philosophy; into her friendships and fertile discussions with peers such as Foot; and into the documentary treasures (including various unpublished materials) of Collegium Institute’s Anscombe Archive at Penn.

Dates: Tuesdays, January 26, February 23, March 23, April 20, and May 18

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST

Readings: The readings will be distributed via email to participants who sign up using the form below.

Registration: This reading group is open to students and scholars of philosophy (or related fields) with varying degrees of familiarity (or none) with Anscombe’s thought. Sign up by clicking the button below.