Time Schedule:
Patrick T. Smith
PHIL 243
Seattle Campus
Focuses on some of the philosophical questions that arise in connection with environmental studies. Topics to be considered include: the ideological roots of current issues, values and the natural world, public policy and risk assessment, intergenerational justice, and social change. Offered: jointly with ENVIR 243.
Class description
In this course, we will apply philosophical reasoning to a wide range of environmental challenges, causes, and concepts. We will examine a set of issues that run the gamut from the highly theoretical (the non-identity problem, moral relativism, general moral theories such as utilitarianism) to the highly particular (the justice of geo-engineering and appropriate social responses to over-fishing). In the process, we will examine diverse understandings of how to weigh human interests against those of animals and the environment as well as learn about different environmental and ecological ideals (e.g. land ethic, deep ecology, ecofeminism). Further, we will also critically evaluate various tools often used in economics and public policy, such as cost-benefit analysis, in order to uncover implicit philosophical assumptions about value that are often below the surface. Once we have these philosophical tools, we will analyze particular environmental problems and opportunities but with a special focus on climate change.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
