Reductionism and Integration, Bioethics and Behavior: A Conference Celebrating the Career of Kenneth F. Schaffner

Kenneth F. Schaffner’s 50-year career spans the origin, rise, and institutionalization of modern philosophy of biology. From research on reductionism and explanation in genetics and immunology to work on competence and consent in psychiatry and medicine, he shaped the subject matter of philosophy of biology as the field evolved from a small niche investigated by a few to a broad area of specialization practiced by thousands of international scholars. The aims of this conference are to invite scholars in philosophy of biology and medicine to reflect on and engage with Schaffner’s contributions to the field, and to intellectually engage his forthcoming book, Behaving: What’s Genetic, What’s Not, and Why Should We Care? (Oxford University Press, available April 2016). The conference will include keynote speakers; a roundtable on Behaving; and presented papers by junior scholars with responses from senior scholars.