Four research universities

to present findings
Today the annual “Philosophical Collaborations” conference begins with University graduate student Gary Wright and philosophy Professor Mark Johnson presenting “Rigor or Rigor Mortis? The Survival of Clinical Judgement in an Age of Economic Rationality” at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Values, Categories, and Practical Deliberation.” Graduate student and faculty pairs from four research universities will present on various topics, all in McKenzie Hall room 240A, today and Saturday.
Wright is a physician earning his doctorate in philosophy. His work focuses on why standard medical protocols do not give a complete picture of a patient’s condition and why a philosophical shift in the system is necessary to provide better treatment.
To set up Wright’s findings, Johnson will explain why viewing the body as an organic whole, rather than a machine with parts to be fixed or replaced, will benefit patients.
“Human beings are not just bags of symptoms,” Johnson said.
Saturday at 9 a.m., Ken Himma and Ronald Moore, a team from the University of Washington, will present “Resurrecting Legal Positivism.”
Then at 11 a.m., Donna Marcano and Ronald Sundstrom, a pair from the University of Memphis, will present “Racial Categories and Subjectivity.”
Ryan Spellecy and Leslie Francis from the University of Utah will give the final presentation, “Legitimate Expectations and Advance Directives,” at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Sessions are free and open to the public. For more information call 346-5547.

— Serena Markstrom