This course introduces the major themes of environmental ethics. In the face of a generalized claim of environmental crisis, numerous authors and schools of thought have suggested a variety of ethical and political responses. The central focus will be on the various ethical theories that have evolved regarding the relationships between humans and the rest of the natural world, and how technology, a sense of place and community, the science of ecology, diverse natural values, and political institutions have shaped the past and present treatment of the natural world. We will also explore and discuss how these diverse ethical theories and beliefs are articulated in politics today, and will characterize the ecological and social movements that are emerging that reflect these ethical and value orientations.

Schedule
6:00pm-7:50pm on Wednesday (Jan 27, 2014 to May 16, 2014)
Location
McGowan MG102
Instructors