There is also no compelling way to get ethical directives from science. To be sure, religion has a version of the same problem, but that simply points up the challenges they both face, not the superiority of science over religion. Even Stephen Jay Gould, the peacemaking agnostic, suggested that religion should make the ethical calls. On a practical level -- and I write as someone who works in the trenches at an evangelical college -- I am worried that attempts to treat science as if it is a religion will only drive the big, abrasive wedge currently between science and religion even further into the chasm of misunderstanding. What we should hope, instead, is that science can become a more congenial guest in the house -- church, temple, mosque -- of religion and not be so determined to proselytize or even evict all of the current occupants. There is much in religion that need not trouble the scientist and much that the scientist can value. Scientists must learn to live with that.

The classic essay! I had no idea it was online.

She believes that if forced to endure male puberty, Nick will commit suicide. Because only 20 percent of children with severe gender variance become transsexual adults, doctors won't consider sex reassignment surgery until a patient is 16 years old. Sharon has decided to take her son to the United States for a controversial (but reversible) treatment that will delay puberty until Nick is old enough to seek surgery

Celebrities fight over vaccines for children

Clarification of a sex-positive, third-wave feminism position wrt rape. A bit casual in presentation, but also makes clear the diversity of feminism today.

vigilantes -- impose social order through threats, violence, and social shaming. Yes, inconsiderate cell phone users are annoying, but by letting Clifford get away disruptive, intimidating, and even violent behavior, we are sanctioning the same kind of extra-judicial bullying

Have you had students who ran into the "troubled teen" industry?

Moral comparisons among child rape, woman rape, man rape, rape in war. All with a view toward Obama's position on the death penalty.

Nice reference: Stoic passions. Gotta love it.