PHIL 0060. Introduction to Environmental Ethics

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Philosophical survey of the ethical questions and issues raised when considering the relationship between human beings and the environment. Topics include the moral standing of animals, land use and preservation policy, growth and sustainability, and environmental justice. Theoretical approaches include deep ecology, social ecology, ecofeminism, multicultural perspectives, and environmental pragmatism. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0060 - Introduction to Environmental Ethics

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phil-0060/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: Philosophical survey of the ethical questions and issues raised when considering the relationship between human beings and the environment. Topics include the moral standing of animals, land use and preservation policy, growth and sustainability, and environmental justice. Theoretical approaches include deep ecology, social ecology, ecofeminism, multicultural perspectives, and environmental pragmatism. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Apply major ethical theories to issues of environmental responsibility. Describe the cultural influences on ideas of nature and wilderness. Compare and contrast positions in environmental ethics (e.g. Animal Welfare versus Rights, Deep Ecology vs Social Ecology, Ecofeminism vs Deep Ecology). Communicate effectively orally or in writing on a topic in environmental ethics. Course Content Outline I. Introduction to Ethical Theory A. Moral Argument and Ethical Theory 1. Divine Command 2. Utilitarian 3. Deontological 4. Natural Law 5. Virtue Ethics II. Western Philosophical and Religious Roots and Perspectives A. Philosophical Views 1. Ancient 2. Medieval 3. Modern/Enlightenment B. Western Religious Perspective 1. Judaic/Hebrew Perspectives 2. Christian influences III. The Moral Standing and Considerability A. Animals 1. The Extension of Interests 2. Sentience and Moral Standing 3. Animal Liberation, Rights, and Welfare B. Plants and Biodiversity C. Ecosystems and Bioregions IV. The Value of Nature A. Intrinsic Value B. Anthropocentrism C. Weak/Enlightened Anthropocentrism V. Constructing an Environmental Ethic A. Deep Ecology 1. Ecocentrism B. Social Ecology 1. Social Justice C. Ecofeminism D. Environmental Pragmatism VI. Applied Environmental Ethics: Environmental Policy A. Sustainability and Intergenerational Justice 1. Global Warming 2. Loss of Biodiversity 3. Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration B. Democracy and Environmental Policy C. Environmental Awareness through Education Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Apply the ethical theories of divine command, Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, natural law, and virtue ethics to environmental issues such as wilderness preservation, sustainability, pollution, and global warming; 2. Describe the way historical ideas of nature and wilderness affect humankind’s moral treatment of the natural environment; 3. Analyze the conflicts that exists between extending moral consideration to animals, plants, and ecosystems and the human need to use natural resources; 4. Compare and contrast anthropocentric and non-anthropocentric approaches to environmental ethics; 5. Analyze the main ethical approaches of Creation Care, Free-Market Environmentalism, Deep Ecology, Social Ecology, Environmental Justice, Ecofeminism, Environmental Pragmatism in terms of their strengths and weaknesses 6. Assess the challenges of contemporary environmental problems in terms of the available ethical, political, and economic frameworks. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Read Arnae Naess', "The Deep Ecology Movement: Some Philosophical Issues," and Anthony Weston's "Beyond Intrinsic Value: Pragmatism in Environmental Ethics" and (1) identify Naess' argument for why the concept intrinsic value is essential for environmental ethics and (2) identify Weston's main arguments against the concept intrinsic value and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read Eugene Hargrove's "Weak Anthropocentric Intrinsic Value," and identify the distinction he is making with the term "weak" insofar as it relates to an anthropocentric evaluation of the environment and be prepared to discuss in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a three-page essay that explains what Roderick Nash means when he states that the presence of wilderness presented early world settlers with both physical and spiritual challenges. 2. Write a three-page essay that identifies the challenges of environmental justice as being different from the more typical interests of environmental groups such as the Sierra Club. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

Humanities

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...PHIL 0030 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy PHIL 0060 Introduction to Environmental Ethics PHIL...