College of Liberal Arts and the Disability Resource Center Colloquium

Dr. Stephanie Jenkins: "Unlivable Life: Good and Bad Days with Suicide Pain"

Friday October 5th, 2018 at 1:10pm in Building 38, Room 204 (Math and Science)

The presentation centers on the able-bodied bias of suicide support services and the unique experiences of those living with disability, chronic or terminal illness.

Dr. Stephanie Jenkins is an Assistant Professor in the Oregon State University School of History, Philosophy, and Religion and the Co-Director of the Phronesis Lab for Engaged Ethics. As a contributor to work in Disability Studies, her presentation will center on the able-bodied bias of suicide support services and the unique experiences of those living with both suicidality and disability/chronic illness. The talk will detail especially on the lives of individuals with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a severe chronic pain condition dubbed "the suicide pain". Dr. Jenkin's work builds off of philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler's conceptions of livability to form four forms of abandonment commonly experienced by those with RSD. 

This event is being held by the College of Liberal Arts and the Disability Resource Center, along with the Communication Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Women's & Gender Studies Departments. The Philosophy Department’s support of this event is made possible by our generous donors.