Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

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. The subject examines a number of such proposals and the moral concepts they introduce: in particular, animal rights, the intrinsic value of nature and eco-centric notions of value. Various ethical dilemmas which arise in relation to our treatment of animals and the environment, the value of wilderness, population growth and the ethical responsibilities that come with globalization will be discussed.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject should have a good understanding of the ethical issues raised by environmentalism and by the ethical limits placed on human behaviour by our environment.

Assessment

Written work: 100% (4500 words) - One written piece may be replaced by a 2 hour Exam (50%)

Contact hours

2 hours (1x 1 hour lecture and 1x1 hour tutorial per week)

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

Sustainability, environment and society
Philosophy
Bioethics

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Philosophy, GES1000, ENE1621, ENV1011 or ENV1022

Prohibitions

PHL3810