PHIL/ENEC 368.001 – Environmental Ethics

Instructor: Philip Bold. This course meets MWF 10:10 – 11:00 a.m. in GA 106.

What is the value of nature? What are our obligations to preserve that value, either collectively or individually? Assuming we have such obligations, what are practical ways of fulfilling them? We’ll explore these questions in relation to specific problems stemming from the myriad ways that humans impact the natural world: our treatment of non-human animals, overpopulation and scarcity, wildlife and endangered species, global climate change, among others. Strong emphasis will be placed on active discussion and participation, as students will be encouraged, above all, to come to their own considered views on these important issues.