YPHI0005 Food for thought
The philosophy of food

3 credits • 2nd semester 2004-5 • Quota 250 Wed 13:00 - 13:55 Meng Wah Complex Lecture Hall T1

• Course coordinator: Dr. Joe Lau (Department of Philosophy) (jyflauhku•hk)
• Lecturers: Joe Lau (Philosophy) , Max Deutsch (Philosophy) and Lusina Ho (Law)
• Bulletin board for discussion

Course description

We spend a lot of our time eating, thinking about what to eat, and working for long hours so that we may have something to eat. In this course we look at the diverse philosophical issues that relate to food, be they political, moral, or metaphysical. Through the focus on food, we see how philosophy can bring fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding to everyday life issues.

Lecture schedule and topics

 

• Download the powerpoint files for all the lectures here.

	(26 Jan) Lecture #1 - Introduction
	(2 Feb) 2. Issues concerning animal rights - Is it wrong to use animals for food? Modern methods of raising animals for food create a lot of pain and suffering. What arguments can we give, if any, to justify or criticize such practice? Read more
	(16,23 Feb) 3 & 4. The aesthetics of food (I & II) - Is food or cooking an art? How does food compare with other forms of art such as literature or music? Is there objectivity in taste? See powerpoint files L3 L4
	(2 Mar) 5. The metaphysics of sensory experiences - Can science explain something as subjective as the conscious experience of taste and smell? Read more
	(9 Mar) 6. Food appreciation and global hunger [Dr. Max Deutsch] - Most people enjoy good food but is it immoral to indulge in good food when other people are suffering from hunger and famine? Read more Problem set #1 due
	(23 Mar) 7. Food and globalization - Why do rich countries spend so much money producing food that is not consumed? What are the effects of modern food industries? STUDENT PRESENTATION - 12:30pm Room 313 Main Building Read more
	(30 Mar) 8. Food, culture and identity - How is food related to culture and identity? What are the implicit assumptions in the media portrayal of food consumption and preparation? Read more
	(6 Apr) 9. Guest lecture - Food and sustainable living Mr. WONG Tak Sang, Town Planner Planning Department Strategic Planning Section Territorial Development Strategy Unit, HK Govt
	(13 Apr) 10. Film show [STARTS FROM 12:30!!] Morgan Spurlock's Super size me - NOTE: The Main Library is also showing the movie on 8 April 2005 1pm-3pm in AV viewing room
	(20 Apr) 11. Food, drugs and regulation [Lusina Ho] - What makes something a drug instead of food? When should food be regulated? Should marijuana be prohibited when alcohol is legal? Why tax alcohol but not fat? Read more
?	(27 Apr) 12. Food and science ARGUMENT MAP NEW DUE DATE: 4th MAY AFTER FINAL TEST
	(4 May) Final test In-class test. Please do not take this course if you cannot attend the test.

Assessment

• Two problem sets (and optional presentation) (20%)
• Portfolio (40%)
• In-class test (to take place during lecture) (40%).

Useful readings

• Some quotes on food
• This is the main text : Elizabeth Telfer (1996) Food for Thought: Philosophy and Food London : Routledge.[HKU ebook][HKU hardcopy]
• Carolyn Korsmeyer Making Sense of Taste: Food and Philosophy [HKU hardcopy]
• Robin Fox - Food and eating
• Deane W. Curtin (Editor), Lisa M. Heldke (Editor), Karen Baker-Fletcher Cooking, Eating, Thinking: Transformative Philosophies of Food

 

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