Great Debate - April 7 at 5:30 CT on Zoom

[Mississippi Philosophical Association]

The Great Debate of 2026

Tuesday, April 7

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Central (6:30 - 8:00 pm Eastern)

While there are many ethical issues in our society, some issues are so important, affect so many people, and are deeply connected to so many of our other beliefs, actions, and policies that they become the focus of our society and our collective conversation: these are the great debates of our time.

 

This year’s topic (access the case here) examines the impact of the debates surrounding vaccine hesitancy, medical recommendations, professional responsibility, and individual autonomy. These issues have sparked confrontations between physicians, pharmacists, and patients and raised widespread discussion in medical schools assessing ethical obligations for standards of care.

 

Given this case and the broadening disagreements about vaccine schedules and administration, our question for this year is:

 

"Should a doctor be required to administer a medically recommended vaccine upon request?

 

Please join us for this nationwide live-streamed event! University students from San Jose State University and UM Ethics Bowl teams will present a brief analysis of the case and proposals, followed by questions from experts, then opening up to a town-hall style Q&A conversation between the audience (both in-person and online) and student teams to answer this timely problem and thought-provoking question facing our nation.

Zoom link: https://olemiss.zoom.us/j/81399764599