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PHIL
112
Thinking
About the Environment
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Description: This
course explores philosophical issues arising in the context of environmental
studies. Some of these issues are essentially ethical in nature:
What are the boundaries of our ethical obligations? Do they include
non-human animals? Future generations of humans? Trees?
Ecosystems? And how are we to justify the boundaries that we decide
to endorse? Other questions are more epistemological in nature:
What sort of evidence can we have for global warming? What will be
the consequences of significant reductions in biodiversity? How do
we know? We will address questions of each sort while pondering what
should constitute rational decision-making regarding environmental issues.
To do so, we must grapple with how scientific information and general value
systems can work together to produce solid grounding for both individual
and communal deliberation and action. Our responses will be shaped
by consideration of specific issues including global warming, population
control, the future of salmon populations in the Northwest, and recycling.
Goals:
General Outline of Topics: I. Introduction to Ethical Frameworks and the Structure of Moral Arguments: Traditional Conceptions of the Relation of Humans to Humans II. Instrumental and Aesthetic Value: Traditional Conceptions of the Relation of Humans to Non-humans III. First Steps towards a Reconception IV. Specific Environmental Issues and Problems 1. Population Increase and SustainabilityV. Alternative Ethical Frameworks: Deep Ecology, Eco-Feminism, and ... ? VI. Decisions, Actions, and Activism
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Last Updated:03/31/04 |
Reading Materials:
Requirements: 1) Students are expected to complete all required readings and attend both lectures and small sections on a regular basis. The content of readings and lectures are intended to be complementary; they will overlap substantially but not completely. Students are responsible for both contents. 2) An email list [phil112a_sp04@u.washington.edu] will be maintained throughout the term. All students will be subscribed and are responsible for checking their email accounts every few days. The email list will be used to distribute practical information about the course, suggest additional readings for further study, and supply questions to focus reading and discussion. 3) Short web-based group exercises are required of all students. These are graded primarily on participation and will not be accepted late under any circumstances. 4) There will be two in-class tests and a final exam. The first will be a short quiz on ethical theory and moral arguments [Essays 1 and 2 of the textbook] on April 9, the second a midterm exam covering approximately the first six weeks of the course on May 7, and finally, a comprehensive final exam on June 10. Missed exam policy: Students must take exams at the scheduled time, except in the event of extreme mitigating circumstances. See NOTE below.5) One short essay (4-5 pages) will be due May 21. Essay topics will be distributed to the class approximately two weeks before the essay is due. Late essay policy: Essays will not be accepted after the due date except in cases of documented emergency or prior arrangement with the instructor, i.e. If you don't speak with me beforehand, no extension will be granted. See NOTE below.NOTE: The midterm, final exam, and written essay are each required components of this course. Any student who fails to submit these materials will fail the course. Grade Distribution:
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