PHI 170 Course Outline

This course is only offered in the spring term.

Introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to environmental issues. Explores the roots of Western ideas about nature (Greek, Biblical, early Modern), the American environmental discussion and current positions including development, conservation, preservation and restoration. Considers issues including human-centered vs. life-centered views, whether species or habitats have value, appreciation vs. cost/benefit approaches, and bioregionalism.

I. Ethical Theory IV. Current Positions: V. Issues

1. Class Discussion
2. Lecture
3. Field Trip
4. Other:

The student should...

1. demonstrate an understanding of the historical roots of traditional attitudes toward the earth.
2. evaluate a range of philosophical positions within environmental ethics on public policy with respect to conservation, energy production, food use and waste, differential impacts on impoverished and marginalized populations, adaptation to climate change.
3. apply at least three philosophical positions to both personal choices involving environmental impact and current public policy on environmental issues.
4. write a minimum of 3000 words of college-level writing in support of the above outcomes.

• Class participation
• Objective tests
• Final exam
• Essays/Term papers
• Oral examination

1. Exams (may be oral)
2. Written reading responses
3. Debates
4. Class activites

Optional

• Leopold, Aldo. A Sand County Almanac Ballantine Books, 1986
• Traer, Robert. Doing Environmental Ethics Westview Press, 2009