PHIL 325 Environmental Philosophy
The course provides an introduction to environmental ethics. The complexity of our relationship with nature and the environment is not just a matter of physical interdependence but also of ethical positioning. Is the environment just an instrument of human survival? Do non-human things like animals, plants and ecosystems have a moral standing? How has our relationship with nature developed since ancient times? Do we have a responsibility to the environment and its non-human inhabitants? Why do science, politics and religion so often disagree about ecological issues? What is the merit and the prospects of natural preservation? The lessons and tools of philosophical ethics can help answer questions like these and provide a deeper understanding of the ways in which our relationship with the environment has been studied by scientists, anthropologists and cultural analysts. The objective of the course is to acquaint students with these different perspectives and outline a philosophical baseline for engaging nature ethically.