Title

PHIL2220 - Environmental Ethics

API ID

Credits

3 (3/0/0)

Description

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 9 and 10. This course examines the basic positions and concepts within the field of environmental philosophy. A primary emphasis will be placed upon understanding our moral obligations toward the natural environment. Representative course topics may include the following: What is nature? Do humans have direct duties toward the natural world? What is deep ecology? Should we conserve or preserve our natural environment? Do intrinsic values exist in nature? Is a land ethic possible? What is ecofeminism?

Competencies

  1. Show an awareness of the variety of environmental philosophies.
  2. Explore the historical context in which these works and ideas were derived.
  3. Critique the environmental theories presented.
  4. Explain how ecological choices are made.
  5. Construct informed reactions to works in environmental philosophy.
  6. Generate and formulate their own environmental ethic.
  7. Examine environmental issues from multiple perspectives.
  8. Analyze the logical connections among the premises and conclusions of environmental arguments, and the implications that follow from them.
  9. Identify the value assumptions made by people, and how they affect our ethical decisions towards the natural environment.

Goal Areas

9. Ethical and Civic Responsibility
10. People and the Environment