PHL2810

Environmental Ethics

(ART)

Karen Green

6 points + 2 hours per week + second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Philosophy or permission

Synopsis: It has been argued that the ethical issues which are raised by the environmental crisis stretch the traditional philosophical concepts to breaking point. This has led to calls for a completely new ethic based on environmental values and a non-anthropocentric world view. This unit examines such proposals and the moral concepts they introduce: in particular animal rights, the value of nature and eco-centric notions of value. Various ethical dilemmas which arise in relation to treatment of animals and the environment, the value of wilderness, population growth and ethical responsibilities that come with globalisation will be discussed. www.arts.monash.edu.au/phil/undergraduate/lateryear.html

Assessment: Case study (1250 words): 25% + Essay (2250 words): 50% + Examination 1 hour): 25% + The case study may optionally be replaced by a one 1hour examination