SUM4014 ¨C Environmental Philosophy and Ethics

Course description

• Course content
• Learning outcome
• Admission
• Prerequisites

• Teaching
• Examination

Course content

This module deals with the historical, cross-cultural studies of the relationship between humanity and nature and the exploration of influential models of environmental philosophies. Relevant issues to be discussed include the relation between normative and descriptive discourses. It also addresses such questions as: Is concern for reducing the suffering of animals compatible with an ethic of non-interference in wild nature? What duties are owed to future generations, if any? What kind of principles should we adopt for regulating technologies whose risks are unknown and who¡¯s potential for serious damage is real?

Lecturer: Per Ariansen

Learning outcome

• To provide students with a thorough theoretical understanding of the challenge of sustainability, with an emphasis on cultural perspectives and environmental values
• To introduce students to the complexities of interdisciplinary research
• To develop students¡¯ skills in, and knowledge of, philosophical argumentation, historical processes and cultural understanding of environmental problems
• To use the ongoing case studies provided by SUM researchers to provide practical training to those who may go on to careers in research and policy areas

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

The Masters study is directed at students with a background in humanities, social sciences or the natural sciences. The minimum requirement for admission is that the students must have a bachelor¡¯s degree (equivalent at least to a good second class honours degree from a reputable university). Students with a natural science background should have at least half a year's studies within the humantities or social sciences to prepare them for the interdisciplinary challenges this programme offers. Students must also have a good working knowledge of English, and should be able to read and follow lectures in this language as well as writing a term paper in English.

Teaching

Lectures

Examination

Home exam

Language of examination

English

Other

Course Coordinator: Espen Gamlund
Student Consultant: Hanna Ihleb?k