Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

What does justice demand of rich individuals and/or nations in response to poverty, climate change and natural disasters? What difference does it make if these misfortunes occur inside or outside of our national border? What is the proper role of international organizations in addressing these problems? This unit examines conflicting answers to these questions offered by leading theorists in environmental ethics and international justice. The unit will serve as an introduction to central moral and political dilemmas of the 21st century. No background in philosophy is required, merely an interest in rational debate about world affairs and a passion for the question: what ought we to do?

Objectives

Students successfully completing this unit will be able to:

1. critically assess the ethical aspects of proposed measures to alleviate environmental problems, global poverty and inequality;
2. apply philosophical theories of justice to problems of practical concern;
3. comprehend and critically assess complex moral and political arguments;
4. effectively communicate theoretical ideas in written assignments;
5. contribute to the developing debate on the justice of current international relations and solutions to international problems.

Assessment

Written work and exercises: 60%
Exam: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Karen Green

Contact hours

1 one-hour lecture and 1 one-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Sustainability, environment and society
Human rights theory
Philosophy
International studies

Prerequisites

A first year sequence in International Studies, Philosophy, or Bioethics

Prohibitions

INT2910